Commercial Associate

Commercial Associate 3+PQE - Edinburgh (Open to Glasgow) - Salary up to £80k

The Opportunity

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Commercial Contracts Lawyer (3+ PQE) to join a well-established and growing commercial practice operating on a national and cross-border basis.

This role offers the chance to work on complex advisory and contractual matters, supporting clients across a range of sectors including retail, technology, sport, healthcare and financial services.

You’ll be part of a collaborative and high-performing team, supporting senior lawyers on strategically important work while continuing to develop your technical expertise across commercial, IP, data and digital matters.

This is an excellent opportunity for an associate looking to build depth in non-contentious commercial work while gaining exposure to sophisticated, multi-jurisdictional matters.

You can expect:

• Structured support and close mentoring from senior lawyers
• Exposure to complex and high-value commercial work
• Opportunities to develop expertise across commercial, IP and data matters
• The possibility of client secondments as your career develops
• A clear framework for progression based on performance and contribution

The Team

You’ll join a top commercial practice working collaboratively across offices on UK-wide and cross-border matters.

The team advises clients on a broad range of issues, including:

• General commercial contracts
• Data, digital and technology advisory work
• Intellectual property protection and exploitation
• Outsourcing and managed services
• SaaS, cloud and technology-driven arrangements

The working environment is inclusive, supportive and quality-led, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing and long-term career development.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting senior lawyers in advising on a wide range of commercial contracts, including supply, distribution and outsourcing arrangements.
• Assisting with the drafting and negotiation of IP and technology-related agreements, including licensing arrangements.
• Contributing to advisory work relating to data protection, consumer law and compliance.
• Supporting on larger and more complex matters such as brand-related transactions and technology procurement projects.
• Assisting with the delivery of managed legal services and ongoing support for clients.
• Building strong working relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Sharing knowledge and supporting the development of trainees and paralegals.

The Candidate

You’ll be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 3+ years’ PQE, gained within a recognised commercial practice.

You will have:

• Experience advising on commercial contracts and related advisory matters.
• Exposure to supply and distribution, outsourcing or IP agreements.
• Experience in IP and technology matters (desirable but not essential).
• Strong drafting and analytical skills.
• A practical, solutions-focused approach to legal advice.
• Confidence working as part of a collaborative, fast-paced team.

This role would suit a lawyer who enjoys variety, technical development and working with commercially sophisticated clients.

The Benefits

• Salary up to £80k
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Generous bonus structure
• 25 days annual leave package plus bank holidays and Christmas
• Company Pension
• Travel & Medical Insurance

Apply in the strictest of confidence

Dominika Holda, Recruitment Consultant (Commercial)

Direct Dial: 0161 826 3140 Mobile: 07376 640 525

E-mail:

WILLIAM JAMES RECRUITMENT

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