Solicitor - Commercial (1-5 years PQE) in Reading

We are seeking a Commercial Solicitor to join our dynamic and friendly Commercial & Technology Team in Reading. Our clients include global and international companies with regional headquarters based in the UK or mainland Europe; mid-market UK companies and fast-growing and entrepreneurial businesses. We provide legal services to the UK/EMEA operating entities of US-owned companies. For many clients, we act as external, and often sole, legal counsel providing day-to-day advice on commercial contractual matters and data protection. Many of our clients are in the technology, media, retail and hospitality & leisure sector.

Experience / Attributes Required

• Excellent training and a solid understanding of key commercial areas including contract law, data protection, AI, consumer law, intellectual property and competition law, with awareness of how these intersect with other practice areas such as corporate transactions, employment and dispute resolution.
• Experience advising on contractual risk, as well as drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, producing written advice and delivering practical, commercially focused solutions for clients.
• Interest or experience in digital media, data and technology.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal concepts clearly and concisely to both lay business stakeholders and in-house legal teams.
• Well-developed legal analysis skills, with the ability to apply them to commercial realities and provide pragmatic guidance.
• Confidence and maturity in managing matters, prioritising effectively and supporting productive client relationships, with supervision appropriate to PQE.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across teams and contribute effectively in both in-person and remote environments.
• A proactive, enquiring mindset with enthusiasm for expanding legal knowledge and contributing to business development.
• A genuine interest in understanding clients' businesses, building long-term relationships and adopting a solution-oriented, adaptable approach to shifting priorities.

Work Type

In summary, the Commercial team's work covers:

• Commercial contracts, frequently with an international aspect, including manufacturing and distribution agreements and outsourcing agreements.
• Technology contracts (including SaaS agreements, cloud solutions, website and app development, hosting agreements and AI).
• Digital media and e-commerce.
• Consumer law.
• Marketing, advertising and sponsorship.
• Data protection.
• Data licensing and commercialisation.
• Intellectual property management, commercialisation, protection and enforcement.
• Providing subject matter support and expertise for corporate acquisitions and restructurings.

Benefits

Contractual Benefits (pro rata)

• 25 days' holiday.
• Pension scheme with a 4% employer contribution, with the employee contributing 4%.
• Life assurance of 5x final salary.
• Private medical insurance.

Non-Contractual Benefits (pro rata)

• Flexible hybrid working.
• An additional day's holiday for your birthday.
• A weekly wellbeing hour.
• 8 hours per annum for charity work.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Bring Your Dog to Work.
• Social committee events.
• Season ticket travel loan.
• Eligible to purchase an additional five days' holiday.

Team Structure

• 1 Partner
• 1 Senior Associate
• 2 Associates
• 2 Paralegals
• 1 Trainee Solicitor