Associate

DWF Law LLP; Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF is seeking a Solicitor or Associate to join our Commercial team, advising clients on commercial contracts across public and private sectors. The role supports a broad range of agreements, including technology, IP, and frameworks, with a focus on delivering practical, commercial solutions.

This position can be based in Manchester, Leeds or Birmingham with a hybrid working arrangement, offering exposure to national and international matters within a leading global firm.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with experience in commercial contracts.
• Strong drafting and written communication skills; confident negotiator.
• Commercially minded with understanding of clients’ business objectives.
• Proven ability to build relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Self-motivated and performance-driven; delivers high-quality legal advice.
• Team player with a collaborative approach and willingness to learn.
• Motivated to develop skills and progress within a growing national practice.

Responsibilities

• Advise on a wide range of commercial contracts, including supply and services agreements, technology and IP agreements, and local government frameworks.
• Draft, review and negotiate complex contracts for clients in public and private sectors.
• Work directly with clients and help build long-term relationships.
• Assist with due diligence as part of broader corporate transactions.
• Collaborate with colleagues nationally across DWF’s commercial teams.
• Support business development initiatives and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Prioritise tasks to meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality service.
• Continuously develop technical and commercial knowledge through training and industry awareness.

Skills

Commercial contracts experience

Drafting & negotiation

Client relationship building

Team player

Self-motivated

Job description

Why join us?

DWF are seeking a Solicitor or Associate to join our Commercial team, supporting and advising our clients on commercial contracts.

Our Commercial team is a key part of the Commercial, Regulatory and Data Practice Group, providing clients with global support on critical issues in commercial contracting, including public sector procurement, AI, commodity contracting, and other strategic areas.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of, and genuine interest in, commercial contracts, combined with developing technical ability and commercial awareness.

This role can be based in our Manchester, Leeds or Birmingham office and alongside a hybrid working arrangement.

Responsibilities

• Advise on a wide range of commercial contracts, including supply and services agreements, technology and IP agreements, local government framework and strategic partnering agreements, as well as bespoke contractual terms and conditions.


• Support clients across public and private sectors including retail, manufacturing, technology, data, energy and the public sector.


• Draft, review and negotiate a range of complex contracts.


• Work directly with clients and contribute to long term client relationships.


• Assist with commercial contract due diligence as part of wider corporate transactions.


• Collaborate with colleagues nationally across DWF’s commercial and sector teams.


• Support business development initiatives and knowledge sharing within the team.


• Prioritise tasks effectively to meet strict deadlines and maintain high-quality service delivery.


• Continuously develop technical and commercial knowledge through training, supervised practice, and awareness of industry developments.

What will help you succeed in this role?

• A qualified solicitor with experience in commercial contracts.


• Strong drafting and written communication skills, with the confidence to negotiate.


• Commercially minded and keen to understand clients’ business objectives.


• Proven ability to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues.


• Self‑motivated and performance‑driven, with a commitment to delivering high‑quality legal advice.


• A team player with a collaborative approach and a willingness to learn.


• Motivated to develop skills and progress within a growing national practice.

What we offer?

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.

We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. Our approach delivers efficiency, price certainty and transparency for our clients across the world without compromising on quality or service. Our purpose is to deliver positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities and we foster a culture that places our colleagues at the centre of all that we do.