Commercial Associate (NQ-2 PQE)

JMC Legal Recruitment; Dunfermline; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Top 25 international firm in Edinburgh seeks a Commercial Associate (NQ - 2 PQE) to join its national Data and Digital team. You will work on complex, multi‑jurisdictional matters spanning commercial contracts, data, digital and technology for a prestigious client base.

You'll draft and negotiate contracts, advise on SaaS/cloud arrangements, and support GDPR/UK GDPR compliance, with opportunities for business development and career progression.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with NQ-2 PQE in commercial contracts, technology or data protection.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills with a practical, solutions-focused approach.
• Commercial awareness and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate commercial contracts from customer and supplier perspectives.
• Advise on SaaS, cloud, outsourcing and licensing arrangements.
• Support GDPR/UK GDPR compliance, data transfers, PECR and cyber regulation.
• Assist with incident response, regulatory investigations and large data protection projects.
• Develop client relationships and contribute to business development.

Skills

Commercial contracts

Data protection

Technology law

Client relationship building

Drafting and negotiation

Regulatory awareness

Job description

Commercial Associate (NQ - 2 PQE)

Location: Edinburgh

Firm: Top 25 International Firm | L500 Ranked Commercial & Data Team

Salary: Generous Salary + Excellent Benefits

The Role

This Top 25 international firm is seeking a Commercial Associate (NQ - 2 PQE) to join its nationally recognised Data and Digital team in Edinburgh. Working closely with senior lawyers across the national Commercial practice, you'll advise a prestigious client base on complex and often multi-jurisdictional matters spanning commercial contracts, data, digital and technology.

You'll gain exposure to a broad and varied workload, including drafting and negotiating commercial contracts from both customer and supplier perspectives, advising on SaaS, cloud, outsourcing and licensing arrangements, and supporting clients with GDPR and UK GDPR compliance, international data transfers, PECR, AI, data ethics, smart data and emerging cyber regulation. You'll also have the opportunity to assist with incident response, regulatory investigations and large-scale data protection and compliance projects, alongside colleagues across Commercial, Disputes, Employment and Legal Tech.

The role offers client exposure, with responsibility for developing relationships and providing practical, commercially focused advice. There is also scope to contribute to business development, thought leadership and client engagement, giving you the opportunity to build your profile within a growing and highly regarded national practice.

With the wider Data team operating across the firm's UK offices, you'll benefit from a collaborative environment and access to specialist expertise across the business, while developing your own technical expertise across commercial, data and digital law.

Your Experience

• A Solicitor (NQ -2 PQE), with experience gained within a commercial contracts, technology, data protection or wider commercial team
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills
• Clear passion and interest in commercial contracts, technology and data
• Commercial awareness and ability to provide practical, solutions-focused advice
• Confident communicator with the ability to build strong and trusted client relationships
• Ability to manage a varied workload and competing priorities
• Proactive approach to business development and developing client relationships
• Collaborative and curious approach with enthusiasm for technically challenging work

Why This Role?

• Join a Top 25 international firm with a solid reputation across the UK and internationally
• Work within a nationally recognised Data and Digital practice
• Gain exposure to sophisticated, high-value and multi-jurisdictional matters
• Develop expertise across commercial contracts, data protection, technology and digital regulation
• Work with an impressive client base ranging from established corporates to innovative businesses
• Benefit from collaboration with specialist teams across the firm's UK offices
• Excellent platform for building a market-leading commercial practice
• Strong training, development and long-term progression opportunities
• Generous salary and benefits package