DACB Reconnect - Solicitor/Associate - Commercial & Technology in Bristol

DAC Beachcroft is delighted to be welcoming applications to join our fantastic returners programme, Reconnect, in our Technology and Commercial Team. Launched in October 2020, this programme is open to experienced legal professionals considering a return to private practice following an extended career break. Our six-month "returnship" offers a structured, supportive pathway back into private practice, allowing you to rebuild your confidence and skills at a pace that suits you.

This role provides an excellent pathway into a high-quality Commercial & Technology practice, offering structured reintegration, mentoring and confidence-building. You will work with a range of high-profile clients across financial services, health, technology, and real estate sectors. The work is intellectually stimulating and varied, with a focus on technology-related transactions, general commercial contracts, and some data protection advisory matters. You will be fully supported by the Reconnect Programme as you refresh your legal skills and rebuild professional momentum.

During your return, you will benefit from:

• A tailored re-onboarding plan to refresh legal knowledge and ease back into fee-earning work
• A dedicated mentor and supervisor within the Technology & Commercial team
• Confidence-building support, including skills refreshers, training, and structured feedback
• Flexible and hybrid working options to help balance personal and professional commitments
• Opportunities to re-establish your professional profile, such as contributing to articles, client training, and networking
• Access to firm-wide wellbeing, training, and development resources

We understand that returning to practice is a significant transition. Our aim is to ensure you feel empowered, supported, and set up for long-term success.

Working alongside supportive colleagues across our national team, you will gradually take ownership of a diverse workload, including:

• Software development and licensing agreements
• SaaS and technology implementation projects
• Bespoke IT agreements and data licensing
• General commercial contracts (agency, distribution, supply of goods and services)
• Data protection compliance, particularly in the context of technology projects

Our team’s collaborative structure and mentoring culture ensure you will have access to the guidance you need while gradually increasing autonomy and confidence.

With appropriate support and at a pace aligned with your return-to-work progression, you will:

• Manage a varied caseload and act as a client contact, applying your existing experience while regaining confidence.
• Work flexibly with a wide range of clients, demonstrating professionalism and commercial awareness.
• Contribute to client relationship management and assist in maintaining strong client connections.
• Participate in business development activities, such as writing articles, attending seminars, and supporting client training.
• Build internal and external networks, collaborating with other practice groups to identify opportunities.
• Maintain awareness of firm strategy and contribute to team goals.
• Refresh and enhance your technical knowledge through tailored training and learning resources.
• Handle confidential information responsibly, in line with firm policies.

We recognise that time away from practice can feel like a barrier. Through Reconnect, we focus on your potential, not your gap. We welcome applications from individuals who:

• Have 2–4 years PQE (or equivalent pre-break experience).
• Bring a genuine interest in technology, commercial contracts, and data protection, even if you need time to refresh the detail.
• Possess solid foundational commercial and technical skills.
• Are qualified Solicitors in England & Wales.
• Can demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships.
• Have the confidence, or willingness to rebuild the confidence, to provide commercial, pragmatic advice to clients.
• Are collaborative team players who value shared learning and mutual support.
• Are motivated to re-establish their career in a thriving, forward-thinking team.