At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a team of Commercial lawyers while managing client relationships.
- Company: Innovative law firm blending traditional practice with in-house expertise.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, generous leave, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Hybrid work environment with a focus on well-being and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in a growing firm.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 8+ years PQE and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Overview
This role is listed for a qualified lawyer.
We are proud to have recently been named one of the Best Places to Work in 2026, and listed in the Top 50 Places To Work For People Development in 2026.
The role
This is a senior leadership hire.
As Head of Commercial, you'll hold the title of Legal Director and sit at the firm's senior legal management tier.
You will lead and grow the Commercial team, own a portfolio of client relationships, and take commercial ownership of your team’s performance, while continuing to do excellent legal work yourself.
It is a dual role: you are a practising senior lawyer and a team leader, accountable for the quality of your own matters and for the performance, culture and profitability of the wider team.
This is a management and business leadership role for someone who wants to build something.
- What you’ll actually be doing
- Leading and developing a team of Commercial lawyers, with direct accountability for team performance, culture and people development.
- Owning and growing a portfolio of client relationships as the primary relationship owner and trusted adviser on complex matters.
- Taking commercial ownership of your team’s numbers, including billing, recoveries, utilisation, write-offs and contribution margin.
- Supporting the recruitment, onboarding and development of lawyers in your team.
- Being the escalation point for complex or sensitive matters in your practice area.
- Getting involved in business development, pitches and cross-selling across the firm.
- Being a genuine role model for how we do things.
- What we’re looking for
- A qualified lawyer (any jurisdiction) with 8+ years PQE. Other experience will be considered, so talk to us.
- A track record of leading people and developing a team that would speak well of you.
- Experience running client relationships independently end to end: onboarding, leading calls, invoicing, budgets and difficult conversations.
- Commercial instinct. You understand that a great team is also a profitable one, and you’re comfortable owning a P&L.
- Experience bringing work into a firm, cross-selling across a business, or growing an account, and a desire to continue doing it.
- Strong subject-matter expertise in commercial law, the kind that gets you requested by name and brings clients back.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- A great sense of humour and a genuine team player.
- Entrepreneurial at heart, fiercely championing clients’ interests, and wanting to help build a firm that is growing quickly.
Who are we?
We are not your traditional law firm; we are a fusion of traditional private practice and in-house legal roles, combining top-tier law firm expertise with a business-savvy in-house approach.
Our clients view us as their lawyer and trust us to be part of their teams.
Each lawyer sits as in-house counsel for a range of clients, offering a superb and diverse experience working with businesses at the cutting edge of different industries.
Our client base spans the UK, European, Middle Eastern, and US tech scenes, from Fintechs to Edtechs, AI to Fashion, FMCG to EV, and VCs, accelerators, and incubators.
What you want to know
We are building an environment of talented individuals with energy to thrive.
We have a beautiful office with a terrace overlooking Temple Park, Big Ben, and The Shard.
The team offers corporate chair massages, weekly yoga sessions, and other well-being and events.
We are hybrid, so you can work from the office, home, or elsewhere; you just need to be on the UK tax system.
We’ll provide a Mac Book Pro or Surface Business with a home office allowance to ensure you have everything you need.
Not only do we have a growing team of entrepreneurial lawyers, but we also offer a strong set of perks:
- Competitive salary and transparent discussion of rate expectations.
- Discretionary profit share bonus and annual bonus opportunities.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Day off on your birthday and other significant life events.
- 5 days education leave per year plus a dedicated education budget.
- Private healthcare with Vitality and private dental care with vision discounts.
- £350 home setup allowance.
- Worldwide travel insurance including winter sports.
- Annual emergency childcare allowance.
- Half-price gym membership and other wellness perks.
- Electric car salary sacrifice scheme and cycle-to-work scheme.
- Access to tech and home discounts with payment options through partners.
There are socials every four weeks, plus various events and experiences.
*In Autumn/Winter the schedule may adjust with seasonal considerations.
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Head of Commercial - Legal Director employer: Founders Law
As a Senior Associate in our innovative law firm, you'll thrive in a vibrant work culture that champions entrepreneurial spirit and client advocacy. With a beautiful office overlooking iconic landmarks and a hybrid working model, we offer competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and unique perks like corporate chair massages and educational allowances, all designed to support your professional growth and well-being. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that is redefining legal services in the tech ecosystem.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial - Legal Director
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Founders Law, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial - Legal Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Founders Law, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Founders Law and the specific role of Head of Commercial - Legal Director. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Founders Law’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Founders Law
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Founders Law.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Founders Law.