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- Tasks: Manage high-value commercial contracts and provide strategic legal advice.
- Company: Established Birmingham commercial practice with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Salary up to £125k, generous bonuses, 25 days leave, and private insurance.
- Why this job: Take ownership of client matters and progress towards partnership in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 7+ years PQE and strong commercial law knowledge.
- Other info: Opportunities for leadership, mentoring, and significant career growth.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Commercial Associate (7+ PQE) to join an established Birmingham commercial practice. This role offers exposure to a broad spectrum of commercial matters, including:
- High-value supply and purchasing arrangements
- Agency and distribution agreements
- Outsourcing and managed services contracts
- Technology and IT agreements
- Intellectual property licensing and exploitation
- Data protection and regulatory advice
You will have the chance to work with clients across multiple sectors, gaining visibility on strategically important matters while developing your commercial and technical expertise. For the right candidate, this role provides a clear pathway to Partnership, alongside opportunities to lead significant client matters, manage projects, and participate in business development initiatives. You can expect:
- Ownership of your own high-value client matters
- Exposure to complex, cross-sector commercial and IP work
- Opportunities to participate in leadership and team development activities
- Mentoring from senior lawyers with structured support
- Clear frameworks for partnership progression and long-term growth
You will join a nationally connected commercial practice working collaboratively on complex matters for sophisticated clients. The team advises on:
- Commercial and supply contracts
- Technology, IT, and outsourcing arrangements
- IP licensing and exploitation
- Data protection and compliance matters
The team is supportive, high-performing, and collaborative, offering the opportunity to learn from senior colleagues while building your own profile. This role is ideal for a lawyer who enjoys variety, responsibility, and developing deep commercial insight.
Key Responsibilities
- Advising on and managing a portfolio of commercial contracts and technology agreements
- Drafting, negotiating, and reviewing high-value commercial, IP, and IT arrangements
- Leading client matters and providing strategic, commercially-focused advice
- Supporting business development initiatives and client relationship building
- Supervising and mentoring junior colleagues
- Participating in leadership activities and contributing to the growth of the practice
The Candidate
You’ll be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 7+ years’ PQE, ideally gained within a City or large regional firm.
- Strong technical knowledge of commercial, IT, and IP law
- Proven experience managing complex commercial matters
- Commercial awareness and practical, solutions-focused approach
- Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships
- Enthusiasm for business development and leadership activities
- Ambition to progress toward a senior partner-level role
This role is ideal for a senior lawyer ready to take ownership of client matters, contribute strategically to the team, and play a visible role in growing the practice.
The Benefits
- Salary up to £125k
- Generous bonus structure
- 25 days annual leave package plus bank holidays
- Company Pension
- Private Travel & Medical Insurance
Apply in the strictest of confidence E-mail: dominika.holda@williamjamesrecruitment.com
WILLIAM JAMES RECRUITMENT is the number one recruitment partner to law firms in the UK & internationally. We work with a variety of top-tier clients, including a range of legal 500 firms.
Senior Associate in Birmingham employer: William James Recruitment
Contact Detail:
William James Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join legal forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with high-value contracts and complex commercial matters. Let them see how your skills can benefit their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to firms directly, especially those you admire. Express your interest in working with them and share how you can add value to their practice.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to submit your application. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Let’s get you on the path to that Senior Associate role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Associate role. Highlight your 7+ PQE experience and any relevant commercial, IT, or IP law expertise to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your enthusiasm for business development and leadership activities, and how you can contribute to our collaborative team.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Talk about high-value client matters you've managed and any successful projects you've led. We love to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at William James Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial, IT, and IP law. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or examples from your experience that demonstrate your expertise in these areas. This will show the interviewers that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring junior colleagues and participating in leadership activities, be ready to share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight any business development initiatives you've been part of, as this will illustrate your ambition and capability to grow within the firm.
✨Client Relationship Focus
Prepare to discuss how you've built and maintained strong client relationships in your previous roles. Think of specific strategies you've used to engage clients and how you've provided strategic, commercially-focused advice that has benefited them.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the firm's culture, the team dynamics, and opportunities for partnership progression. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the firm aligns with your career goals.
