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- Tasks: Advise on commercial contracts and procurement for public organisations.
- Company: Top 100 UK law firm with a strong reputation in public sector advisory.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, early responsibility, and a collaborative team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in social housing and public services while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 2–6 years PQE in commercial contracts and strong drafting skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant client contact and career progression.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A Top 100 UK law firm is seeking a 2–6 PQE Commercial Contracts Solicitor to join its expanding London Projects team. This is a sector-led commercial role focused on advising large public and quasi-public organisations, particularly:
- Registered Providers of social housing
- Local authorities
- Public bodies
- Regulated and not-for-profit organisations
The work sits at the intersection of procurement, operational contracting and long-term infrastructure delivery — not pure corporate commercial work.
The Work
You will advise on a broad mix of commercial and procurement matters, including:
- Goods and services agreements
- IT supply and support contracts
- Outsourcing and management agreements
- PFI / PPP framework documentation
- Public procurement advice for contracting authorities
- Contract structuring and risk allocation
The role combines drafting, negotiation and advisory work with significant client contact and responsibility. This is hands-on commercial work for organisations delivering essential public services.
The Team
You’ll join a dedicated procurement and commercial contracts team within a wider Real Estate & Projects platform. The firm has a long-standing reputation in:
- Social housing
- Regeneration and development
- Public sector advisory
- Infrastructure and long-term asset management
The team operates with genuine autonomy and partner access, offering strong progression for ambitious associates. Hybrid working is in place, with a minimum of three days per week in the London office.
What They’re Looking For
- 2–6 years’ PQE in commercial contracts
- Exposure to public procurement desirable
- Experience advising local authorities or public sector clients advantageous
- IT contract experience welcomed
- Strong drafting and negotiation skills
- Comfortable running files and managing deadlines
- Commercially aware and client-facing
- An interest in the social housing / not-for-profit sector would be beneficial.
Why Consider This Move?
- Clear sector specialism with stable, long-term clients
- Early responsibility and client exposure
- Strong pipeline of public sector and infrastructure work
- Collaborative, non-hierarchical team structure
- National platform without an international corporate environment
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys technically strong commercial work but prefers a sector-focused, relationship-driven practice over highly transactional corporate mandates.
Commercial Associate in London employer: Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Associate in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal sector, especially those involved in public procurement and commercial contracts. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of social housing and public sector work. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role and show genuine interest in the organisations you'll be advising.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves significant client contact and contract negotiations, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or colleagues to build your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and get noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Associate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Commercial Associate role. Highlight your PQE, especially in commercial contracts and public procurement, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the social housing and not-for-profit sectors. Let us know how your experience can benefit our team and clients.
Showcase Your Client-Facing Skills: Since this role involves significant client contact, make sure to mention any relevant experiences where you've successfully managed client relationships. We want to see your strong communication and negotiation skills!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment
✨Know Your Sector
Make sure you understand the nuances of the social housing and public sector landscape. Research recent developments, key players, and challenges in these areas. This will not only show your interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Drafting Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with drafting commercial contracts. Bring examples of your work, if possible, and be ready to explain your thought process behind structuring agreements and managing risk. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and attention to detail.
✨Demonstrate Client-Facing Experience
Since this role involves significant client contact, highlight any previous experiences where you've interacted with clients. Discuss how you managed relationships, understood their needs, and provided tailored advice. This will showcase your ability to be commercially aware and client-focused.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about potential procurement challenges or contract negotiation dilemmas you might face in this role. Practising your responses will help you articulate your approach clearly and confidently.