Commercial, Data or IP Solicitor (5+ PQE)

Howes Percival; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit share

Discretionary bonus

25 days holiday

Charity day

Private medical cover

Wellbeing calendar

Perks at Work discounts

Job summary

Howes Percival in Cambridge is seeking an experienced Commercial, Technology, IP and/or Data Protection lawyer to join our growing team. You will develop and lead client relationships, advise on complex commercial contracts and technology matters, and help shape the Cambridge practice as part of a collaborative, multi-office firm.

You will mentor junior lawyers, contribute to cross‑practice initiatives and play a key role in business development to secure long‑term success for clients and the

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with significant experience advising on commercial contracts, technology, intellectual property and/or data protection matters.
• Strong technical skills with commercial awareness.
• Proven track record in developing and maintaining client relationships.
• Desire for business development and practice growth.
• Ability to mentor junior lawyers and foster a collaborative team culture.

Responsibilities

• Developing and growing our Commercial, Technology, Intellectual Property and Data Protection practice in Cambridge.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, intermediaries, referrers and key stakeholders.
• Identifying, securing and developing new business opportunities and revenue streams.
• Raising the profile of the firm through networking and thought leadership.
• Advising clients on a broad range of commercial contracts, technology agreements, intellectual property matters and data protection issues.
• Leading on complex and strategically important client matters, delivering pragmatic and commercially focused advice.
• Developing sector expertise and strengthening the firm's presence in key markets.
• Collaborating across offices to deliver a seamless client experience and maximize opportunities.
• Mentoring and developing junior lawyers and fostering a positive team culture.
• Maintaining high professional and regulatory standards and risk management.

Skills

Commercial contracts

Technology

Intellectual property

Data protection

Client relationships

Business development

Job description

About The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Commercial, Technology, Intellectual Property and/or Data Protection lawyer to join our team in Cambridge.

About The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Commercial, Technology, Intellectual Property and/or Data Protection lawyer to join our team in Cambridge.

This role offers the opportunity to help shape and grow our commercial and technology practice in one of the UK's most dynamic and innovative business communities. We are seeking a lawyer who combines strong technical expertise with a commercial mindset and a passion for building lasting client relationships.

Whether you are an established Partner with a portable client following, or an ambitious Legal Director or Senior Associate looking for the platform, support and opportunity to build your own practice, we would be delighted to hear from you.

You will work with a broad range of clients, from ambitious growth businesses to established organisations, advising on complex and high-value commercial, technology, intellectual property and data protection matters. You will play a key role in the continued development of our Cambridge offering while working as part of a highly collaborative team across our offices and practice areas.

You will be supported by an established client base, strong referral networks across the firm, and a partnership committed to investing in growth, innovation and long‑term success

The successful candidate will help strengthen our presence in the Cambridge market, develop relationships across the local business community, and establish themselves as a trusted adviser to clients. They will play an important role in generating new business opportunities, supporting cross‑practice collaboration, mentoring colleagues and contributing to the firm's wider strategic objectives.

Some of your duties will include:

• Developing and growing our Commercial, Technology, Intellectual Property and Data Protection practice in Cambridge.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, intermediaries, referrers and key stakeholders.
• Identifying, securing and developing new business opportunities and revenue streams.
• Raising the profile of the firm through networking, thought leadership, speaking engagements and participation in business community events.
• Advising clients on a broad range of commercial contracts, technology agreements, intellectual property matters and data protection issues.
• Leading on complex and strategically important client matters, delivering pragmatic and commercially focused advice.
• Developing sector expertise and identifying opportunities to strengthen the firm's presence in key markets.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across our offices and practice groups to deliver a seamless client experience, share expertise and maximise opportunities for clients and the firm.
• Supporting, mentoring and developing junior lawyers and helping to foster a positive and collaborative team culture.
• Maintaining the highest professional and regulatory standards and ensuring compliance with the firm's risk management procedures.

A little about you:

• Be a qualified solicitor with significant experience advising on commercial contracts, technology, intellectual property and/or data protection matters.
• Have excellent technical skills and strong commercial awareness.
• Demonstrate a track record of developing and maintaining client relationships.
• Have a genuine enthusiasm for business development and practice growth.
• Be confident building relationships with clients, referrers and professional contacts.
• Be proactive, self‑motivated and commercially minded
• Enjoy collaborating with colleagues across offices and practice areas and contributing to a strong firm culture.
• Have excellent communication, networking and relationship‑building skills.
• Be enthusiastic about helping grow our presence in the Cambridge market.
• Have the ability to mentor and support the development of junior lawyers.

For Partner applicants, an existing client following or a demonstrable track record of originating work would be advantageous. For Legal Director and Senior Associate applicants, we are looking for individuals with the ambition, capability and commercial drive to build a successful practice and progress their careers within the firm.

Why Join Us?

• The opportunity to shape and grow a practice within a supportive and entrepreneurial environment.
• Access to an established client base and a strong internal referral network.
• High‑quality work for innovative and ambitious clients across a range of sectors.
• The chance to work alongside experienced and well‑regarded lawyers across multiple offices and disciplines.
• A collaborative culture where success is shared and business development is actively supported.
• Investment in your long‑term career development, progression and success.
• The opportunity to play a key role in the continued growth of our Cambridge office and wider national practice.

About You

About Us

At Howes Percival, we are driven by a commitment to our clients and a passion for achieving their goals. With a rich heritage spanning over 200 years, we have evolved into a leading law firm with a reputation for delivering exceptional results across a wide range of practice areas. Our team comprises highly skilled lawyers who combine deep industry knowledge with innovative thinking to provide strategic advice and tailored solutions to our diverse client base.

As an employer, we value talent, diversity, and collaboration. We foster a supportive and inclusive culture where every team member is empowered to thrive and make a meaningful impact. Joining Howes Percival means being part of a dynamic growing and forward‑thinking firm dedicated to excellence in legal practice and client service.

Below are some other reasons that help us in our mission to be a place where people want to work and enjoy working:

• We achieved a three‑star "World Class" accreditation in the top 75 "Best Companies" (formerly The Sunday Times Best Companies Awards) and ranked 5 th in the top 75 "UK's Best Large Companies to Work For" category for 2025.
• We have been ranked #1 Best Law Firm to work for in the UK by Best Companies for 2025 and #1 company in the East Midlands region.
• We have been accredited with "Investors in People" since 1996 and were shortlisted for Employer of the Year in 2023.
• Our lawyers come from a variety of backgrounds, many from larger and City firms, some from in‑house – we all share the same Howes Percival DNA and all of this rich experience is there for you to learn from.
• We offer a wide range of benefits for all our valued employees including (but not limited to); Perks at Work discounts, profit share scheme and discretionary bonus, 25 days holiday entitlement, one paid 'charity day' per year, comprehensive private medical cover, plus a well being calendar with a wide range of regular events