Corporate & Commercial Solicitor in Kingston upon Thames

Job Description

Corporate & Commercial Solicitor (5+ PQE)

Location: Surrey

Salary: £65,000 – £85,000+ DOE/PQE

Are you an experienced Corporate & Commercial Solicitor seeking a varied, high-calibre caseload with strong SME and owner-managed business (OMB) exposure without commuting into Central London? Our client is a highly respected, long-established law firm in Surrey with an outstanding regional reputation. Experiencing sustained demand across their corporate and commercial team, they are seeking a commercially minded Solicitor or CILEx Fellow (5+ PQE) to manage complex corporate transactions, mentor junior fee earners, and drive practice growth—with full flexibility to accommodate full-time or part-time working patterns.

The Opportunity

In this key fee-earning role, you will advise an enviable portfolio of regional businesses, partnerships, healthcare providers, agricultural clients, and charities. Managing matters independently from instruction through to completion, you will handle M&A transactions, corporate restructures, shareholder agreements, succession planning, and strategic commercial contracts. Designed for a proactive practitioner who values client care, this position offers high operational autonomy, direct junior mentorship responsibilities, and a clear, structured pathway to Senior Associate and Partnership.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or Fellow of CILEx with a minimum of 5+ years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) in corporate and commercial law within a UK private practice environment.

• Corporate & M&A Technicals: Proven track record advising on share and asset sales/acquisitions, group reorganisations, joint ventures, investments, partnership deeds, and corporate succession planning.

• Commercial Drafting: Extensive experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements, terms of business, supply agreements, and shareholder instruments.

• Client Care & IT Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex legal issues in clear, practical terms, supported by proficiency in legal tech and case management systems.

• Leadership & Business Development: Confident team player eager to supervise and guide junior lawyers, with a proactive approach to capturing new business and developing referrer networks across Surrey.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £65,000 – £85,000 base salary per annum (pro-rata for part-time, commensurate with PQE and technical background) plus a performance-related bonus scheme.

• Flexible Working: Open to both full-time and part-time applicants, supported by hybrid/agile working options.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays, workplace pension scheme, payment of professional membership fees, and full CPD funding.

• Career Trajectory: Transparent progression framework offering direct routes to Senior Associate and Partner roles within an expanding practice.

• Culture & Support: Supportive, collaborative, and friendly working environment backed by dedicated secretarial and administrative support.

How to Apply

To discuss this opportunity in complete confidence or request a full position profile, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared without prior express consent.