At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage corporate cases, advise clients, and draft key documents in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a modern law firm that values collaboration and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, performance bonuses, and 22 days annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly, inclusive culture with regular team events.
- Why this job: Gain autonomy and work on high-quality projects with ambitious clients.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with NQ – 5+ PQE in corporate law and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 75000 € per year.
Jonathan Lea Network (JLN) is seeking a technically strong and commercially minded Corporate Solicitor (NQ – 5+ PQE) to join our growing team. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your corporate practice within a modern, entrepreneurial firm that values initiative, collaboration and commercial thinking — without unnecessary hierarchy or rigid structures.
We are looking for someone who wants to build their reputation in high-quality transactional work while benefiting from genuine autonomy, strong client exposure and meaningful career progression.
About JLN
JLN is a modern, forward-thinking, full-service law firm based in Mid-Sussex, advising clients across England and Wales and internationally. Since becoming SRA regulated in May 2019, the firm has grown rapidly and continues to expand its retained team and consultant network. We combine strong technical expertise with a pragmatic, commercially focused approach to client service. Our clients include technology start-ups, scale-ups, private equity-backed businesses and established owner-managed companies across a range of sectors.
Our values are central to how we operate:
- Responsive and client-centred
- Expertly insightful
- Personable and collaborative
- Innovative and technology-enabled
We operate a successful consultancy model alongside our employed team, enabling collaboration across specialisms and exposure to complex, multi-disciplinary matters.
The Role
You will manage your own corporate and commercial caseload, acting as a key point of contact for clients and delivering clear, pragmatic and commercially aware advice. Your work is likely to include:
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Shareholder agreements and joint ventures
- Private equity and venture capital transactions
- Corporate restructurings
- Finance transactions
- General company law matters
- Commercial agreements and terms and conditions
- Intellectual property matters (in collaboration with specialists where required)
You will have autonomy from day one, supported by a collaborative team and our wider consultant network where specialist input is required. This role offers exposure to high-quality work often associated with larger City and national firms, within a more agile and entrepreneurial environment.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Managing a varied corporate and commercial caseload
- Advising clients with clarity, precision and commercial awareness
- Drafting and negotiating transactional documentation
- Taking introductory calls and converting new enquiries
- Working collaboratively on multi-disciplinary matters
- Engaging with AI and legal technology embedded in JLN’s working practices
- Contributing to marketing, networking and business development initiatives
The Ideal Candidate
You will be:
- A qualified solicitor with NQ – 5+ PQE in corporate and commercial law (private practice and/or in-house)
- Technically strong with a meticulous eye for detail
- Confident managing files independently
- Commercially aware and business-minded
- An excellent communicator, both written and verbal
- Organised, responsive and solution-focused
- Comfortable working in a collaborative but entrepreneurial environment
- Enthusiastic about marketing, networking and developing your own profile
- A genuine interest in entrepreneurship, high-growth businesses and transactional work is essential.
Why Join JLN?
This role offers high-quality corporate work without the constraints of a traditional firm structure. You will benefit from:
- Hybrid working with genuine flexibility
- A supportive mixed-level team structure
- Direct client contact and early responsibility
- A collaborative, open working environment
- A firm that embraces AI and modern systems
- Exposure to ambitious, high-growth clients
- Regular team events and a friendly, inclusive culture
Benefits
- 22 days’ annual leave (rising to 25 days with service)
- NEST pension scheme
- Salary sacrifice options
- WPA Precision Corporate Healthcare
- Performance bonus: 20% of billings above £180,000 per annum
- Commission: 15% of any work introduced to the firm
Location
This role is best suited to candidates based in Sussex, Surrey, Greater London or Kent who are within an hour’s commute of our Haywards Heath office. However, we are open to considering strong candidates from further afield who wish to work on a fully remote basis.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply, please send your CV and covering letter to: Alice.Roseman@jonathanlea.net
Corporate Solicitor in Haywards Heath employer: The Jonathan Lea Network
Jonathan Lea Network (JLN) is an exceptional employer that fosters a modern and entrepreneurial work culture, offering Corporate Solicitors the chance to thrive in a flexible environment with genuine autonomy and direct client exposure. With a commitment to employee growth, JLN provides opportunities for meaningful career progression, competitive benefits including a performance bonus, and a collaborative atmosphere that embraces innovation and technology. Located in the picturesque Mid-Sussex area, JLN is ideal for those seeking high-quality work without the constraints of traditional law firm structures.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Solicitor in Haywards Heath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with someone from a firm, be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with their needs. Prepare some examples of your work, especially in corporate law, to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply—engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or team members. Ask insightful questions about the firm’s culture and projects. This shows your genuine interest and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Leverage our website! We’ve got loads of resources and tips to help you nail that interview. Plus, applying through our site gives you a better chance of being noticed. So, make sure to check it out and put your best foot forward!
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Solicitor in Haywards Heath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Corporate Solicitor role. Highlight your relevant PQE and any specific corporate law experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for corporate law and how you can contribute to our team. Be personable and let your enthusiasm for the role come through.
Showcase Your Commercial Awareness:We love candidates who understand the business side of law. In your application, mention any experiences or insights that demonstrate your commercial thinking and how it can benefit our clients.
Apply Through Our Website:For a smoother application process, we encourage you to apply directly through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Jonathan Lea Network
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on corporate and commercial law, especially areas like mergers and acquisitions, shareholder agreements, and finance transactions. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're technically strong and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Your Commercial Mindset
JLN values a commercially aware approach, so be prepared to discuss how you can provide pragmatic advice to clients. Think about examples from your past experience where you've demonstrated this skill, and be ready to share them during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As an excellent communicator, you’ll need to convey complex legal concepts clearly. Practice explaining legal terms in simple language, as if you were talking to a client. This will highlight your ability to engage with clients effectively.
✨Embrace Collaboration
Since JLN operates in a collaborative environment, be ready to discuss how you work well in teams. Share examples of successful collaborations from your previous roles, and express your enthusiasm for working alongside others to tackle multi-disciplinary matters.
