Associate - Commercial

DWF; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF seeks a Solicitor or Associate to join our Commercial team in the UK, based in Leeds (also Manchester or Birmingham) with a hybrid working arrangement. You will advise on commercial contracts and support clients across public and private sectors, including technology, IP, and procurement matters.

The role requires strong drafting and negotiation skills, a commercially minded approach, and the ability to build lasting relationships with clients and colleagues while developing technical

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Commercial contracts

Drafting

Negotiation

Client relationships

Team collaboration

Self-motivation

Education

Solicitor qualification

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? Essential

• 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.

Is this your next job?

Read the full description below to find out, and do not hesitate to make an application.

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.