Commercial Associate
Commercial Tech Associate 3+PQE - Manchester (Open to Birmingham)- Salary up to £80k
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Commercial and Technology Associate (3+ PQE) to join a leading national commercial practice, recognised for delivering high-quality, commercially focused advice across sectors including mobility and automotive, retail, logistics, technology and life sciences.
This role offers exposure to cutting-edge commercial and technology projects, including e-commerce, outsourcing, digital transformation, and other business-critical initiatives. You’ll be at the forefront of client relationships, managing your own matters while collaborating closely with senior lawyers on high-value, multi-jurisdictional work.
The role is ideal for a technically strong lawyer who thrives in a dynamic, evolving environment, enjoys variety, and wants to grow their expertise in commercial, technology and IP matters.
You can expect:
- Early responsibility for significant client matters
- Exposure to international and multi-office transactions
- Opportunities to gain in-house secondment experience
- A clear framework for professional growth and progression
- Mentoring and support from experienced partners and senior associates
The Team
You’ll join a national commercial and technology team supporting high-profile UK and international clients across complex and strategically important matters.
The team advises clients on a broad range of matters, including:
- Commercial contracts and procurement agreements
- Technology and digital arrangements, including SaaS and cloud platforms
- Outsourcing and managed services contracts
- Intellectual property advisory and licensing
- Cross-border transactions and multi-jurisdictional projects
The team is collaborative, forward-thinking, and committed to innovation, knowledge-sharing, and creating an inclusive and supportive working environment. You’ll be able to contribute ideas, develop your skills, and work directly with senior colleagues on high-profile client matters from day one.
Key Responsibilities
- Advising on and managing a portfolio of commercial and technology contracts.
- Drafting, negotiating, and reviewing high-value commercial and tech agreements.
- Supporting senior lawyers on complex or multi-party transactions.
- Contributing to client relationship management and business development activities.
- Collaborating with colleagues across offices and service lines on significant matters.
- Mentoring junior lawyers and supporting the development of the wider team.
- Participating in secondments and client-facing projects where appropriate.
The Candidate
You’ll be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 3+ years’ PQE, gained within a recognised commercial, tech or IP practice.
You will have:
- Solid experience in commercial contracts and technology-related work.
- Exposure to outsourcing, SaaS, cloud or digital transformation projects (desirable).
- Strong drafting, negotiation and analytical skills.
- Confidence managing your own workload and client relationships.
- A solutions-driven, commercially aware approach.
- Ambition to grow your career within a collaborative, high-performing team.
This role is ideal for a lawyer who thrives on variety, enjoys working with complex clients and wants to deepen their expertise across commercial and technology matters.
The Benefits
- Salary up to £80k
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Generous bonus structure
- 25 days annual leave package plus bank holidays
- Company Pension
- Private Medical and Travel Insurance
Apply in the strictest of confidence
Dominika Holda, Recruitment Consultant (Commercial)
Direct Dial: 0161 826 3140 Mobile: 07376 640 525
E-mail: dominika.holda@williamjamesrecruitment.com
WILLIAM JAMES RECRUITMENT
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.