Job Description Commercial Solicitor | 2–4 Years’ PQE | Manchester | Hybrid Working
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Commercial Solicitor (2–4 PQE) to join a well-established and highly regarded in-house legal team based in Manchester.
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercial lawyer looking to take the next step in their career and gain genuine in-house experience, working closely with the business on a wide range of commercially important contracts and projects.
You will be given early responsibility and real ownership of your work, with the opportunity to work directly with stakeholders across the organisation and develop your understanding of how legal advice can support commercial decision-making.
The role would suit someone who enjoys drafting and negotiating contracts, wants to be close to the business and is looking for a role where they can continue to build their commercial and legal skills.
The Role
As a Commercial Solicitor, you will:
Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial contracts and agreements
Provide practical, commercially focused legal advice to stakeholders across the business
Support business-critical projects and commercial negotiations
Work closely with internal teams to identify and manage legal and commercial risks
Take ownership of matters from initial instruction through to completion
Assist with a range of wider legal and commercial matters, providing valuable breadth to your experience
Work collaboratively with colleagues across the legal team to develop consistency and best practice
Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and develop an understanding of the wider commercial objectives of the organisation
About You
You will ideally be:
~ A qualified solicitor (England & Wales) or due to qualify imminently
~2–4 years' PQE
~ Experienced in commercial contracts, either through a training seat or post-qualification role
~ Confident drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements
~ Commercially minded, with an interest in understanding the business behind the legal advice
~ A clear and confident communicator with strong drafting and negotiation skills
~ Well organised, proactive and able to manage multiple matters and priorities
This could suit someone currently working in private practice who is looking to make their first move in-house, as well as someone who already has in-house experience and is looking for a broader commercial role.
What’s On Offer
Hybrid working – 3 days office-based
Genuine in-house commercial experience within an established legal team
Early responsibility and ownership of your own work
Direct exposure to stakeholders across the wider business
A varied workload covering commercial contracts and wider legal matters
The opportunity to develop both your legal and commercial skillset
A supportive and professional team environment
Competitive salary, dependent on experience
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to move beyond simply reviewing contracts and become a trusted legal adviser to the business.
You will gain hands-on experience across a broad range of commercial matters, work closely with stakeholders and have the opportunity to develop your career within an established in-house legal function.
For a 2–4 PQE commercial solicitor looking for greater responsibility, broader exposure and the opportunity to develop their career in-house, this is a role worth exploring.
Company / Commercial Solicitor in Manchester employer: QED Legal
Join an esteemed international law firm in Leeds, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. With a robust client base and a steady flow of high-profile M&A deals, you'll have the opportunity to develop your skills while mentoring junior lawyers and expanding your practice. The firm offers unique benefits such as genuine international exposure through secondments, making it an exceptional place for ambitious corporate lawyers seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
