Associate/Senior Associate - Commercial Contracts - Leeds, Manchester or Birmingham (2 to 6 PQE)

Associate/Senior Associate – Commercial Contracts – Leeds, Manchester or Birmingham (2 to 6 PQE)

We are Eversheds Sutherland, a global law firm, with more than 5,000 people across over 30 countries. We’re full‑service with deep niche and sector experience. Whatever challenge, wherever in the world, we’re equipped and ready to meet it. We live our values, we’re purposeful and purpose‑led. So although the world is fast‑moving and rapidly changing, we see it as a place where everyone can thrive. We’re ambitious for our clients, our communities – and for you. Whether you’re starting out on your career or well established, whether you’re a lawyer or in business services. If you’re looking for what’s next, we are too.

What to expect

As a lawyer, you enjoy a variety of work: regional to international and across practice groups. With us, you grow your global mindset. You’re encouraged to put ideas into action and there’s always something new and different to get involved in. We see the fast‑moving world as a place where we can all thrive and succeed. We’re excited for what’s next, so with us, you can be too.

Our team

Our Commercial team is split into five workstreams – Strategic Contracts, Technology, Intellectual Property, Data Privacy and Retail Finance. We are currently recruiting for an Associate or Senior Associate to join our Strategic Contracts team. This role can be based in either Leeds, Manchester or Birmingham.

Our Strategic Contracts team covers a range of work from day‑to‑day matters for local and national clients to large outsourcings and multinational projects, working with our colleagues around the globe. We have particular expertise in global facilities and property management outsourcings and regularly advise on some of the largest supply‑chain contracts, particularly in the aerospace and automotive sectors for blue‑chip automotive clients.

Role and key responsibilities

As part of this role you can expect to be involved in:

• Working as part of a national team advising on a wide range of matters from high‑value, long‑term strategic arrangements to more day‑to‑day business‑as‑usual matters and standard‑form contracts
• Working with a wide range of private and public sector businesses across a wide range of sectors such as transport, utilities and industrial engineering on a local, national and international level
• Providing commercial support for transactions undertaken by our corporate and real estate teams
• Developing close working relationships with colleagues in different teams and offices throughout the business both nationally and internationally and the opportunity to learn from different partners
• Participating in and contributing to structured business development activity, including assisting to write client briefings/articles.

Skills and Experience Required

We are looking for applicants with 2–6 years PQE who have built a solid foundation in contract law and are looking for either an Associate or Senior Associate role. We expect you to be able to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of different types of contract, strong technical and drafting skills and also an understanding of the key legal, commercial and operational issues that could impact our clients and their contracts. We also expect you to have an understanding of what specialist support might be needed for a contract (e.g. TUPE, data protection, competition law etc.).

You must be able to demonstrate strong analytical skills and attention to detail and be able to communicate effectively at different levels and with clients from a variety of different sectors and cultures. You must be able to build strong relationships and enjoy business development activities.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has the ability to deal with the competing demands of clients which arise from involvement in a number of separate transactions at once and has the ability to work flexibly to tight deadlines
• Is able to demonstrate the delivery of excellent client service. Due to the nature of the work in this role, drive, enthusiasm and ability to work well as part of a team are vital
• Possesses good technical and drafting skills and demonstrates a high level of attention to detail
• Has strong research skills and is familiar with the use of precedents and external legal resources
• Is able to build great relationships with colleagues you work with in other practice groups and ideally will have some experience of supporting junior colleagues
• Has good networking skills and is able to demonstrate an ability to build client relationships and develop new relationships
• Is commercially aware and willing to participate in group training and know how
• At a Senior Associate level, we would also want candidates to be able to coach, supervise and mentor more junior members of the team, and proactively participate in Business Development and assisting Partners with client development opportunities and networking.

What’s in it for you?

At Eversheds Sutherland, we provide benefits focused on looking after you: your development, your performance, your financial future and your health, as well as providing the opportunity to make a contribution to the world.

• We’re fair, transparent and equitable
• We share in the success of the firm, reward alignment to our values, going above and beyond and your individual performance
• We support flexible ways of working through our remote working policy and commitment to flexible, agile and hybrid ways of working
• We support your health and performance through our dental, healthcare and wellness support
• We support everything you are and all you bring through our powerful commitment to diversity and inclusion
• We provide a platform for your career, whatever your ambitions through our structured professional and personal training, mentoring and development programs
• We provide experience and opportunity through international and cross‑function exposure
• We provide an opportunity to give back through our pro bono work and community engagement
• We help you plan ahead through retirement planning, insurance and assurance

Diversity & Inclusion

At Eversheds Sutherland, “Inclusive” is a core business value. We bring together different skillsets, global mindsets and approaches. We foster diversity of thought and the freedom to put ideas into action. We have an inherent respect for the individual. We have a strong belief in collaboration and teamwork. Sharing ideas, asking questions, solving challenges and meeting our clients’ goals: together.

We want all our people to thrive at work and reach their full potential and we work hard to continue to build a diverse and inclusive culture, monitor and report on our progress and impact, and develop our approach. This is reflected in our policies, systems and processes, and in our work with diversity membership organisations.

Many of our people work flexibly in some way and we are open to considering how we can accommodate flexible working arrangements alongside role requirements. If this is important to you, please talk to us about it during the recruitment process.

We want you to perform at your best during our recruitment process. If there is any adjustment or support you need, please contact us so we can discuss how we can best assist you.