Commercial Contracts Solicitor — Innovation & Growth Leader in Leeds

The Commercial team is dedicated to staying ahead of industry trends and positioning our clients for success in a rapidly evolving business landscape. The team frequently works with managing directors, finance directors and commercial/sales directors in organisations of all types and sizes, from owner-managed businesses to global PLCs.

The team’s head of department has extensive experience of supporting team members in their knowledge, skills and ongoing development. The role offers an exciting opportunity for a Commercial Contracts and Data Protection Lawyer who is eager to be at the forefront of legal innovation and to progress in the hierarchy of the firm. You will have the chance to engage with a diverse and dynamic workload, fostering your career in a flexible, supportive, innovative and future-focused environment.

The successful candidate will work closely with the head of the department and other senior leaders to help shape the strategic direction of the commercial team, leveraging innovative approaches to stay ahead of competitors. You will play an integral role in business development initiatives, identifying and pursuing opportunities to position our firm as a leader in commercial contracts and data protection. You will bring fresh perspectives and creative solutions to complex legal challenges, ensuring our clients are well-prepared for the future. You will build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their evolving needs and delivering exceptional service that sets us apart in the marketplace.

We believe in empowering our team members to think creatively and strategically, and to be supported by a collaborative and friendly environment that values contributions and encourages continuous professional growth. This role is perfect for someone who is looking to make a significant impact, drive innovation, and be a key player in positioning our firm as a leader in the legal industry.

• Help with research and development projects of the department around prospective clients, competitors, products and services (including AI and software solutions for the department and its clients).
• Draft (with or without the use of a baseline template), review, report on, negotiate or amend a wide range of commercial contracts in a business to business or business to consumer context, including:
• Standard trading terms and conditions;
• Procurement contracts: for issues like manufacturing or outsourcing;
• Sales channel contracts: direct supply contract or indirect sales contracts through collaborations, agency, franchise, distribution or licensing arrangements;
• IT contracts: software development, software as a service, hosting, service level agreements, IP contracts: IP assignments or licensing;
• Other contracts: covering issues like confidentiality, exclusivity, warranties, guarantees, indemnities, settlements, variations, novations, lead referrals or self-employed consultancy.
• Ensure compliance with data protection laws (GDPR, CCPA, etc.), including drafting and reviewing data processing agreements, privacy policies, and conducting data protection impact assessments.
• Provide due diligence and other transactional support to the corporate team.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with commercial transactions and data protection issues.
• Provide legal advice and support to internal stakeholders on commercial and data protection matters.
• Carry out tasks suitable for level of post-qualification experience, with limited need for senior level direction or supervision.
• Manage allocated projects, specific matters or other work delegated by senior staff.
• Ensure personal legal knowledge is kept up to date and new advancements are communicated to the wider team.
• Be involved in the marketing and business development of the department, its team members and the firm.
• Help the Head of Department to meet department objectives.
• When required to do so, help the Chief Executive Officer or other senior staff to meet wider objectives of the firm.

• Explore and implement innovative legal technologies to streamline contract management and compliance processes.
• Identify and propose improvements to current legal processes, leveraging new technologies and methodologies.
• Stay informed of industry trends and best practices, sharing insights with the team and contributing to the firm's thought leadership initiatives.

• Act as the primary legal contact for assigned clients, providing timely and practical legal advice.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, identifying opportunities for cross-selling and up-selling legal services.
• Ensure clear and effective communication with clients, understanding their business needs and objectives.
• Ensure all client interactions are managed in a professional manner and in accordance with our Flint Bishop Client Charter.

• You will have a minimum of 2 years PQE in a commercial law role.
• Possess exceptional client care skills.
• Have intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Be highly motivated and able to add value to the role.
• Be able to demonstrate proactive management of matters with a minimum of supervision.
• Be a team player and able to get on with others.
• Possess networking and client development skills.

Disclosure will be required in the event that a position is offered. Financial checks will be required in the event that a position is offered.

• Competitive salary
• Bonus potential
• Great working environment at our Leeds offices
• Career Development opportunities
• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Options to buy & sell 1 week’s holiday
• 1 week’s holiday carry over
• Extra day off for your birthday
• Staff card discount scheme for local shops
• Social days and evenings on the firm
• Staff discounts on legal services