Associate Solicitor

JR United Kingdom; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Manchester is seeking an Associate Solicitor to join their Commercial team. The ideal candidate will hold 3+ years PQE and demonstrate strong drafting and negotiation skills. This role offers a supportive environment with opportunities for career development, working on high-impact client matters.

Benefits

Private medical and dental insurance

25 days annual leave with buy/sell options

Excellent company pension

Income protection and life assurance

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• 3+ years PQE in commercial law.
• Experience advising SMEs and regulated businesses is a plus.
• Ability to balance competing deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements.
• Advising on data protection and commercial risk.
• Providing pragmatic advice tailored to client needs.

Skills

Commercial mindset

Client relationship building

Attention to detail

Drafting and negotiation

Job description

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Sanderson King is delighted to be supporting a well-established, SRA-regulated law firm as they continue to build their team in Manchester. With a strong reputation for commercially focused legal advice across regulated and high-growth sectors, the firm is now looking to appoint an Associate Solicitor to join their Commercial team.

The Opportunity

This role offers the chance to work closely with experienced partners and high-calibre clients on a wide range of commercial matters. The firm advises SMEs, larger corporates, and membership organisations across sectors such as professional services, technology, healthcare, and insurance. You'll be part of a collaborative team where your contribution is valued, and your development is a priority.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements, including service contracts, supply agreements, consultancy agreements, NDAs, and terms of business
• Advising on data protection, IT contracts, and commercial risk management
• Supporting clients with business-critical projects and regulatory change
• Working closely with clients on retainer relationships, acting as a trusted adviser
• Providing commercially-minded, pragmatic advice tailored to the sector and client needs
• Contributing to legal updates, internal know-how, and client training where required
• Collaborating with the wider commercial, employment, and regulatory teams on cross-practice matters

What We’re Looking For

• 3+ years PQE with solid experience in commercial law
• Confident drafting and negotiation skills with excellent attention to detail
• A commercial mindset and the ability to build strong client relationships
• Experience advising SMEs and/or regulated businesses is a plus
• Comfortable balancing competing deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative team
• Some exposure to client communications, reporting, or legal content creation is beneficial

Why This Firm?

• Legal 500-recognised teams with a strong presence across multiple UK offices
• Supportive, agile working environment with hybrid options available
• Meaningful work across high-value and high-impact client matters
• Transparent progression routes and career development support
• Emphasis on team culture, flexibility, and quality of service over billable hours

Package Includes:

• Base salary of c£55,000 – £65,000 depending on experience
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with buy/sell options
• Private medical and dental insurance
• Excellent company pension
• Income protection, life assurance, season ticket loan, and other flexible benefits

If you’re a commercial solicitor looking to grow your career in a firm that prioritises both legal quality and work-life balance, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply confidentially via Sanderson King to explore this opportunity further.