Commercial Associate

Ortus Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ortus Group is working with an established and highly regarded London law firm seeking a Commercial Associate to join its specialist commercial practice. The firm advises UK and international clients from startups to global organisations, offering a mix of high‑quality work with a personal, agile approach.

The successful candidate will handle a varied caseload from day one, draft and negotiate contracts, and develop client relationships under supportive supervision, with chances to work across

Qualifications

• UK-qualified solicitor with 2–4 years' PQE and strong drafting of commercial contracts.
• Experience negotiating technology, licensing and data protection agreements.
• Able to manage matters directly with clients under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and negotiating a broad range of commercial contracts
• Technology agreements including SaaS and licensing
• IP licensing and commercialisation agreements
• Data protection, privacy and data-sharing matters
• Supply, distribution, agency and outsourcing agreements
• Contribute to practice development and cross-team collaboration

Skills

Commercial Contracts

Technology Agreements

IP Licensing

Data Protection

Client Communication

Job description

Ortus Group is working with an established and highly regarded London law firm who are seeking a Commercial Associate to join its specialist commercial practice. The firm advises an impressive mix of UK and international clients, ranging from entrepreneurs, investors and high-growth businesses through to SMEs, listed companies and global organisations. It has built its reputation by combining the quality of work and technical expertise associated with a larger City practice with a more personal, agile and commercially focused approach.

Lawyers benefit from direct access to experienced partners, meaningful client contact and the opportunity to become genuinely involved in the relationships behind the work. The firm has particular strength across the commercial, corporate, intellectual property, technology, data protection and financial services sectors. Its broader offering also creates a regular flow of work and cross-referral opportunities from other highly regarded teams across the business. This is an environment in which associates are encouraged to take ownership of their work, build their market profile and develop into well-rounded commercial advisers.

About the Role

The successful candidate will join a busy specialist commercial team and inherit an established, varied caseload from the outset.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and negotiating a broad range of commercial contracts
• Technology agreements, including SaaS, software licensing and service arrangements
• Intellectual property licensing and commercialisation agreements
• Data protection, privacy and data-sharing matters
• Supply, distribution, agency and outsourcing agreements
• Terms and conditions and other business-critical contractual documentation
• Supporting clients operating in developing areas of technology, digital business and AI

The role offers much more than simply supporting senior lawyers. The successful candidate will be trusted to manage their own matters with appropriate supervision, work directly with clients and play an active part in the continued development of the practice. There will also be opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the firm on matters involving corporate transactions, financial services, intellectual property and other commercial considerations.

Qualifications

The firm is looking for a UK-qualified solicitor with approximately 2-4 years' PQE and good experience of drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.

Required Skills

• Technically strong with excellent drafting skills
• Commercially minded and able to provide clear, practical advice
• Comfortable managing matters and communicating directly with clients
• Interested in developing long-term client relationships
• Ambitious, collaborative and keen to contribute to the growth of the team

Preferred Skills

Exposure to technology agreements, intellectual property or data protection work would be advantageous, although the firm will consider candidates with a strong general commercial background and a genuine interest in developing further specialism in these areas.

Pay range and compensation package

This is an excellent opportunity for a Commercial Associate who wants greater responsibility, closer client relationships and the chance to build a genuine specialism within a respected London practice.