Commercial Associate

Pinsent Masons LLP; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pinsent Masons LLP is seeking a Commercial Associate (NQ–4 PQE) to join our Manchester, Birmingham or Leeds teams. You will work on high-quality commercial contracts, outsourcing, and strategic projects for household-name clients, with exposure to AI-enabled delivery and innovative processes.

The role offers early responsibility and client exposure within a dynamic, cross-office commercial practice, with a focus on growth, collaboration, and shaping the future of legal services.

Qualifications

• England & Wales qualified commercial lawyer (NQ–4 PQE).
• Strong drafting and negotiation capability on contracts.
• Commercial awareness and clear communication skills.
• Collaborative, proactive mindset with interest in innovation.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Supporting outsourcing, supply chain, and strategic projects.
• Advising on day-to-day commercial queries.
• Using AI-enabled tools on live matters and improving delivery models.
• Building relationships with clients across multiple sectors.

Skills

Drafting

Negotiation

Commercial awareness

Communication

Team collaboration

Innovation interest

Education

England & Wales qualified

Job description

Commercial Associate - NQ - 4 Years PQE

Location: Manchester, Birmingham or Leeds

Team: Commercial

The Opportunity

Want to do high-quality commercial work for household-name clients while helping shape the future of how legal services are delivered? We're growing our Commercial Team and looking for a talented, ambitious Commercial Associate (NQ - 4 years PQE) to join us in Manchester, Birmingham or Leeds. You will work alongside experienced Partners on high-quality commercial projects for a broad client base, including household-name organisations and major public- and private-sector clients. Our team is recognised for its creative, innovative approach and its commitment to delivering commercially pragmatic solutions - and you'll be part of that from the start. This is a rare chance to build your career at the point where commercial law meets Generative AI. The team is led by Clare Francis, who heads Pinsent Masons' Commercial Team and oversees firm-wide work in Innovation and Generative AI - so you'll see fresh, forward-thinking approaches to complex commercial challenges up close, and have the opportunity to help shape them.

The Work You'll Do

• Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts
• Supporting major outsourcing, supply chain and strategic projects
• Advising on day-to-day commercial queries
• Using legal technology and AI-enabled tools on live matters, and helping design the process improvements and innovative delivery models we offer clients
• Building strong relationships with leading clients across retail, manufacturing, sport, technology, energy, hotels, public sector, education, and industrial markets

Your experience won't stop at commercial contracts. Our broader commercial group works closely with the Corporate Team on complex AIand technology-driven workstreams, giving you exposure to a wider range of deals and specialists than most commercial roles offer.

About The Team

Pinsent Masons' Commercial practice is known for its proactive, pragmatic, and innovative style. The team works nationally across Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds, and internationally across the firm's global offices. Under Clare's leadership, the team is increasingly delivering client solutions built on cutting-edge legal technology and AI-enabled services. Working with the firm's Innovation and Change Board, we're transforming how legal services are delivered.

We're a dynamic, supportive team with a focus on:

• Innovation
• Exceptional client experience
• Cross-office collaboration
• Flexibility and work-life balance
• Entrepreneurial thinking and personal development

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for an England & Wales qualified commercial lawyer (approx. NQ - 4 years PQE) who brings:

• Strong technical skills
• Commercial awareness
• Excellent drafting and communication skills
• A collaborative and proactive mindset
• Enthusiasm for innovation and creative problem-solving
• Interest in developing sector specialisms aligned to Pinsent Masons' global focus areas

Experience within a well-regarded commercial practice is desirable, but we care just as much about curiosity, potential and an appetite to learn. If you're newly qualified and excited by this role, we'd love to hear from you even if you don't meet every point above.

What You'll Gain

• Work within a market-leading Commercial practice
• Gain early responsibility and significant client exposure
• Receive exceptional training, mentoring, and support
• Have a genuine voice in innovation and firm-wide strategic initiatives, including how we use AI to serve clients
• Enjoy strong career progression opportunities through PM Academy and partner-led development programmes
• Work within a collaborative and engaging culture

Our Commitment

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and every individual is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion or belief, marital status, socio-economic background or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities throughout the recruitment process and during employment.