At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate commercial contracts while advising on tech-related agreements.
- Company: Join a leading international law firm with a focus on collaboration and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, recognition for performance, and opportunities for early responsibility.
- Other info: Diverse and dynamic environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a supportive team and work on high-profile legal matters.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with experience in commercial contracts and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
If you require this document in an accessible format (e.g. large print), please contact hr.recruitment@shlegal.com. We will offer you a place where you can be yourself and where there are no limits on what you can achieve. With us, you can take ownership of your career and have honest conversations throughout. You would join an ambitious firm with a clear strategy for profitable growth where you can get early responsibility and early involvement in growing the business. Here you can expect a competitive and fair reward as well as recognition based on all round performance. This forms part of our internal promise to you, The Deal, between the firm and its employees.
We are seeking a junior associate to join Stephenson Harwood’s highly regarded Commercial, Data and Technology team, led by partners Naomi Leach and Dan Holland. The team is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers for its expertise in advising UK and international clients on complex, business-critical commercial contracts and projects. Clients span sectors including Life Sciences, Technology, Financial Services, Hotels & Leisure, and Consumer brands. The team is praised for its commercial awareness, sector knowledge, and ability to deliver practical, business-focused solutions.
The team regularly handles a broad range of agreements, including supply and manufacturing, service agreements, distribution, agency, franchising, sponsorship, outsourcing arrangements (including tech transformation projects), software licensing and strategic alliances. Recent client highlights include:
- Acting for Oxford Biomedica on critical supply arrangements for gene therapy products, developing tailored contract templates, and advising on clinical and commercial supply agreements.
- Acting for AI drug discovery company Isomorphic Labs on a variety of data licences for training its AI platform.
- Advising Swiss lifestyle brand On, in relation to brand partnerships, sponsorship, supply arrangements, joint development, distribution, and marketing agreements.
- Advising the Mandarin Oriental hotel chain on various commercial contracts including business service outsourcings, restaurant management arrangements and brand collaboration agreements.
- Supporting City Sightseeing with franchise agreements across the globe, ensuring compliance with local laws and protecting the brand’s commercial interests.
- Advising a large energy group on a 10 year procurement of a bespoke build, operate and maintain IT solution to manage supply chain for one of the UK's largest infrastructure projects.
The team is known for its collaborative and supportive culture, providing associates with early responsibility and exposure to high-profile matters. You will have the opportunity to work closely with partners and clients, develop sector expertise, and contribute to the delivery of innovative, commercially focused legal solutions.
Main Responsibilities
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of commercial contracts, including master services agreements, supply, distribution, manufacturing, agency and franchising agreements.
- Advise on technology-related contracts such as software licensing, outsourcing, and tech transformation projects, alongside data protection advice.
- Work with our corporate finance and private equity teams supporting on commercial, data and technology ancillary agreements and due diligence.
- Support clients on day-to-day commercial arrangements and provide clear, pragmatic legal advice, with a focus on risk allocation, regulatory issues, and compliance.
- Conduct legal research using internal and external knowledge management resources and develop sector-related expertise including upskilling on new areas of legal regulation such as AI.
- Work collaboratively with partners and other team members on multi-jurisdictional and cross-practice matters.
- Assist with the management of client relationships and help deliver commercially focused, business-critical solutions.
- Contribute to business development activities, including attending client meetings, networking events, and supporting pitches and proposals.
Attributes/Skills Required
- Qualified lawyer with excellent academic and professional qualifications and legal experience in commercial contracts gained post-qualification.
- Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements, including supply, manufacturing, service agreements, distribution, agency, franchising, and outsourcing agreements.
- Exposure to technology contracts (such as software licensing, outsourcing, or digital transformation) is desirable.
- Life sciences sector experience is advantageous but not essential.
- Ability to take ownership of matters, showing technical expertise, strong client service, and effective project management.
- Strong technical and analytical skills, with a keen attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Organised, able to prioritise and meet strict deadlines, with good file management and prompt time recording.
- Commercially minded, with the ability to provide practical, business-focused advice and solutions.
- Collaborative and proactive approach, with a willingness to support colleagues and contribute to team success.
- Ambitious and willing to be proactive in business development, with a desire to identify and pursue new opportunities.
- Able to leverage and develop a strong internal and external network, and build excellent working relationships at all levels.
- Resilient and able to handle setbacks and pressure; a self-starter who works well independently and as part of a team.
- Cooperative, collaborative, and professional, with an understanding of the firm’s market position and how its services stand out.
About the Firm
Stephenson Harwood is an international law firm, and we're committed to creating 'positive partnerships' with our clients. We represent listed and private companies, institutions and individuals, building lasting relationships to help them succeed in a complex and ever-changing world. Our focus is on five core sectors: Energy Transition, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Private Capital and Funds, Technology, and Transportation and Trade. With more than 1,500 people, including 220+ partners, across ten offices in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we combine deep legal capabilities and broad commercial expertise. We have also forged close ties with high quality law firms around the world, blending local knowledge with global savvy for clients in over 100 countries. We understand the power of diversity in delivering that high calibre advice to our clients. We want to attract diverse talent and we particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics.
Commercial Associate in London employer: Stephenson Harwood LLP
At Stephenson Harwood, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where you can truly be yourself and unlock your potential. As a Commercial Associate in our esteemed team, you'll benefit from early responsibility, direct client engagement, and a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth and innovation. With competitive rewards and a commitment to diversity, we offer a unique opportunity to thrive in a leading international law firm located in the vibrant city of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Associate in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Associate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for an entry-level role in legal law services, make sure to highlight any relevant coursework or certifications you've completed. Mention any specific areas of law you've studied or written about — this shows we're engaged with the field and can bring fresh ideas to Stephenson Harwood LLP.
Tailor Your CV for the Legal Sector:A legal CV should focus heavily on your academic achievements, including your grades if they're strong. Don't forget to list any internships, volunteer roles, or relevant extracurricular activities. This is our chance to showcase how eager we are to learn and contribute to Stephenson Harwood LLP!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, it's important to convey not only your qualifications but also your passion for law. Tell a story about why you're excited about this field and what draws you to this specific role at Stephenson Harwood LLP. We're looking for personality as much as for qualifications!
Proof of Legal Skills:If you've done any legal writing, such as articles, blogs, or even school papers, consider including links or attachments to these works. It's a great way to demonstrate your writing and research skills, which are crucial in the legal world. We're all about showing, not just telling, at Stephenson Harwood LLP!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stephenson Harwood LLP
✨Brush Up on Legal Terminology
As we dive into legal law services, it’s key to be familiar with industry-specific jargon. Make sure to review terms like 'tort', 'contract', and 'statute'. This shows you’re not just sitting on the sidelines but are genuinely engaged with the field.
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Legal roles heavily rely on research capabilities. During the interview, be ready to illustrate how you've utilised research methods in your studies or previous internships. It’s all about showing you can dig deep when it comes to case law or statutes!
✨Know Your Ethical Guidelines
Ethics are a huge part of the legal industry. Be prepared for questions about ethical dilemmas or professional responsibility. Familiarise yourself with codes of conduct relevant to the role so you can demonstrate your understanding during the chat with Stephenson Harwood LLP.
✨Emphasise Eagerness to Learn
Since this is an entry-level role, your motivation and learning potential should shine through. Share specific examples of what you hope to gain from this role at Stephenson Harwood LLP and how you plan to grow in the legal field.
