At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex commercial contracts and advise on strategic projects across various sectors.
- Company: Join a top-tier national Commercial team with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Opportunities for international secondments and career progression to Legal Director or Partnership.
- Other info: Work closely with clients and mentor junior lawyers in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: UK-qualified solicitor with 7+ years of commercial contracts experience.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
Our national Commercial team brings together our general commercial, digital, IP, energy and renewables and projects and procurement teams. Representing an impressive range of FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 clients, public sector organisations, educational institutions and industry bodies on high‑profile, business‑critical projects and regulatory matters, the team plays a vital role in helping clients achieve growth and success. One of the largest and most successful teams of its type, we bring together sector specialists across industries including advanced manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace and defence, energy and renewables, transport and logistics and international trade. With lawyers across our UK offices and nationally recognised leaders in their fields, we work closely with US colleagues and Lex Mundi firms worldwide to deliver seamless support on international projects. We also provide a blend of City expertise and local knowledge to inward investors entering the UK.
To support our strong pipeline, we are seeking an experienced commercial contracts lawyer to join our Newcastle, Leeds, Bristol or Southampton office at Managing Associate level.
What does the team do? We advise on the full range of contractual arrangements supporting strategic projects and day‑to‑day business across multiple sectors, with a particular focus on advanced manufacturing and energy transition initiatives.
You will:
- Lead on complex commercial contracts, including procurement, outsourcing, supply chain and product development
- Advise on contract strategy, drafting, negotiation and risk management
- Deliver pragmatic, business‑focused advice (including data protection with specialist support)
As a Managing Associate, you will take responsibility for leading matters and client relationships, supervising and developing junior lawyers, and ensuring high‑quality delivery across multiple projects. You will also play an active role in business development—building client relationships, identifying and pursuing new opportunities, supporting international growth (including USA and Saudi Arabia markets), and contributing to multi‑jurisdictional work. Opportunities for international secondments are available. You will join a collaborative and supportive team, working closely with clients' in‑house teams in an embedded, in‑house style while benefiting from the breadth of private practice and multidisciplinary expertise.
What does the ideal candidate look like? We are looking for a commercially focused senior lawyer who combines technical expertise with leadership and client development capability. To be successful you will have the minimum requirements:
- UK‑qualified solicitor (England, Wales or Scotland) with 7+ years strong commercial contracts experience
- Significant experience advising on complex, high‑value transactions
- Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills
- Proven ability to lead matters and deliver clear, practical advice to non‑lawyers
Key strengths at Managing Associate level:
- Deep expertise across commercial contracts, including supply chain, procurement and strategic projects
- Ability to supervise, mentor and develop junior team members
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to identify risks and solutions for clients
- Active contribution to business development and growing client relationships
- Confidence managing multiple complex matters and working with autonomy
- Experience of international contracting (including import/export) and exposure to tech, IP or data protection would be beneficial.
You will be proactive, collaborative and client‑focused, with the ability to build your profile, generate work and contribute to the growth of the practice. This role is a key step towards Legal Director or Partnership.
Managing Associate - Commercial in Bristol employer: Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
As a leading player in the commercial legal sector, our company offers an exceptional work environment that fosters collaboration and professional growth. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to lead high-profile projects while benefiting from a supportive culture that values innovation and teamwork. Located in vibrant cities like Newcastle, Leeds, Bristol, and Southampton, we provide a unique blend of local insight and international reach, making it an ideal place for ambitious lawyers looking to make a meaningful impact.
Contact Detail:
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Associate - Commercial in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your knowledge of their work and how you can contribute to their success. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience with complex commercial contracts and how you’ve successfully led projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Keep an eye on our job listings and make sure your application stands out by highlighting your leadership skills and commercial awareness.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Associate - Commercial in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Managing Associate role. Highlight your commercial contracts experience and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about commercial law and how your background aligns with our team's focus on advanced manufacturing and energy transition initiatives. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it's leading a complex contract negotiation or mentoring junior lawyers, we want to know 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 application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
✨Know Your Commercial Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial contracts, especially in areas like procurement and supply chain. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated complex transactions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Managing Associate, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor junior lawyers. Prepare to share instances where you've taken charge of a project or guided a team through challenges, highlighting your leadership style and approach.
✨Understand the Business Development Aspect
This role involves building client relationships and identifying new opportunities. Think about how you've contributed to business development in previous roles and be ready to discuss strategies you've used to grow client bases or enhance relationships.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical expertise, particularly around high-value transactions and risk management. Prepare to explain your thought process when advising clients on complex issues, ensuring you can communicate clearly and practically.
