At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial legal work, mentor junior lawyers, and manage client relationships.
- Company: Award-winning law firm with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Salary up to £95k, competitive bonuses, generous leave, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities in media, sport, entertainment, and technology sectors.
- Why this job: Step into leadership and shape the future of a nationally recognised team.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in Commercial law and ambition to progress to Partnership.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
An award-winning law firm is seeking an ambitious Legal Director to join its highly regarded Commercial team in Birmingham. This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior commercial lawyer looking to take the next step toward Partnership, offering genuine scope to lead work, manage junior lawyers, and build out a personal practice within a nationally recognised team.
The firm is known for its collaborative, supportive culture and commercial approach. With a strong emphasis on trust, autonomy and progression, lawyers are encouraged to think entrepreneurially and play an active role in shaping the future of the practice. With a growing pipeline of work across media, sport, entertainment, retail, software and technology, the team supports exciting, brand-led and fast-growth businesses, alongside broader commercial and IP matters.
The Role
Whether you’re a Senior Associate ready to step up or already operating at Legal Director level, this role provides the platform to step into leadership and make a visible impact.
Key Responsibilities:
- Advising on a wide range of commercial contracts
- Drafting and negotiating IT, software licensing, SaaS and system integration agreements
- Providing IP advice, including licensing and portfolio management
- Advising on data protection and privacy matters, including UK GDPR compliance
- Supporting clients with regulatory and compliance matters
- Managing and mentoring junior lawyers
This role offers a unique blend of autonomy, influence and a genuine pathway to Partnership.
The Candidate
- Strong experience in Commercial law
- Exposure to a broad mix of commercial, IP, IT and data protection matters
- Confidence leading matters and managing client relationships independently
- Interest in business development and growing own practice
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior lawyers
- Clear ambition to progress to Partnership
The Benefits
- Salary up to £95k
- Competitive bonus and benefits package
- Generous annual leave plus bank holidays
- Company pension
- Private medical and travel insurance
- Excellent learning, leadership and development support
Apply in the strictest of confidence.
Commercial Legal Director employer: William James Recruitment
As a leading Legal 500-ranked law firm, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative working culture. Our Hertfordshire office offers competitive salaries, generous benefits including a firmwide bonus scheme, and strong progression opportunities, making it an ideal environment for experienced Court of Protection Solicitors to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable clients and their families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Legal Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Consider writing articles or giving talks on topics related to commercial law, IP, or data protection. This not only boosts your profile but also demonstrates your passion and knowledge in the field, making you stand out to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm’s recent cases and their approach to commercial law. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and culture, showing that you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the team as well. We want to see your personality shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Legal Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Commercial Legal Director role. Highlight your experience in commercial law, IP, and data protection to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background prepares you for the challenges ahead. Don’t forget to mention your ambition to progress to Partnership!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing and mentoring junior lawyers, make sure to highlight any relevant leadership experience. We want to see how you’ve influenced others and contributed to team success in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at William James Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your commercial law knowledge, especially around contracts, IP, and data protection. Familiarise yourself with recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact the firm’s clients. This will show that you're not just a lawyer, but a proactive thinker who stays ahead of the game.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing and mentoring junior lawyers, be ready to discuss your leadership experiences. Think of specific examples where you've led a project or supported a colleague's development. This will demonstrate your readiness for the responsibilities that come with the position.
✨Demonstrate Business Acumen
The firm values entrepreneurial thinking, so come prepared to discuss how you can contribute to business development. Share ideas on how you might grow your own practice and attract new clients. This shows that you’re not just about legal work, but also about driving the firm's success.
✨Cultural Fit is Key
Research the firm’s culture and values. Be ready to explain why you think you’d fit in well with their collaborative and supportive environment. Highlight any past experiences where you thrived in a similar culture, as this will resonate with the interviewers and show you’re aligned with their ethos.