Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commercial law team and provide expert legal advice to clients.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking law firm focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a competitive salary, and a 25% bonus.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing firm while mentoring junior talent in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 8+ years PQE and strong commercial law expertise required.
- Other info: Ideal for those seeking leadership outside traditional private practice.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester or Leeds (hybrid working)
Salary: up to £120,000 + 25% bonus
The Opportunity:
Our client is a growing, forward-thinking law firm seeking a Head of Commercial to join their senior leadership team. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, they are dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to businesses across a range of sectors. This role is ideally suited to an experienced legal professional with an in-house background who may be aspiring to a General Counsel position but is seeking a new opportunity to progress in a dynamic and supportive environment.
The Role:
The Head of Commercial will lead the firm’s commercial law practice, providing expert legal advice to clients while driving the strategic development of the firm’s services. This is a high-profile position with a focus on client engagement, team leadership, and the delivery of commercially astute legal solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leading the commercial law team, advising on contracts, partnerships, compliance, and risk management.
- Acting as a trusted advisor to clients, offering pragmatic and business-focused legal solutions.
- Supporting clients with corporate and commercial matters, such as M&A, joint ventures, and restructuring, where required.
- Developing and implementing strategies to grow the commercial practice, enhancing the firm’s reputation and market presence.
- Collaborating with the senior leadership team to align legal services with business objectives.
- Mentoring and developing junior team members, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
The Ideal Candidate:
Our client is seeking an accomplished legal professional with a blend of in-house experience and a strong understanding of commercial law. This role will suit someone who is senior in their career but prefers a leadership position outside the traditional private practice setting.
Key Skills and Experience:
- Qualified solicitor with significant post-qualification experience (likely 8+ years PQE).
- Expertise in commercial law, including contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
- Proven in-house experience, with the ability to align legal advice with commercial objectives.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience inspiring and developing legal talent.
- A practical and commercially driven approach to legal problem-solving.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
What’s on Offer:
- A competitive salary
- Hybrid working arrangements offering flexibility.
- The opportunity to join a progressive, growing law firm and play a key role in shaping its future.
- A collaborative and innovative working environment.
Head of Commercial Law employer: Sanderson King
Contact Detail:
Sanderson King Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Law
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who have experience in commercial law. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the firm and its culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the firm’s recent projects and initiatives in commercial law. Being knowledgeable about their work will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their growth and success.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight specific examples where you’ve inspired and developed talent, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with current trends and challenges in commercial law, particularly those affecting businesses. This knowledge will enable you to provide insightful, business-focused legal solutions that align with the firm's objectives.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Law
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in commercial law and leadership roles. Emphasise your in-house experience and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities of the Head of Commercial position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for commercial law and your vision for leading a team. Mention how your background aligns with the firm's focus on innovation and collaboration, and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, clearly outline your expertise in contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to provide commercially astute legal solutions and your experience in mentoring junior team members.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Detail your leadership experience in your application. Discuss how you have inspired and developed legal talent in previous roles, and how you plan to foster a culture of excellence and innovation within the new firm.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson King
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Commercial Law, you'll be expected to lead a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in the past.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
This role requires a strong understanding of commercial law and its application in business contexts. Be ready to discuss specific cases where you've aligned legal advice with commercial objectives, showcasing your ability to think strategically.
✨Prepare for Client Engagement Scenarios
Since client engagement is a key responsibility, think of examples where you've acted as a trusted advisor. Prepare to discuss how you approach client relationships and ensure their needs are met with pragmatic legal solutions.
✨Highlight Your Innovative Approach
The firm values innovation, so be sure to share any initiatives or strategies you've implemented that have enhanced legal services or improved team performance. This will demonstrate your forward-thinking mindset.
