Commercial Projects Principal Associate

BCL Legal; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected national law firm is seeking an experienced Principal Associate in Birmingham. You will lead high-value commercial contracts and advise on significant public-private projects. The ideal candidate should have 7+ years of PQE in commercial law and strong negotiation skills. This role offers excellent career progression, competitive salary, and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Highly competitive salary

Bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years PQE in commercial law, projects, or public sector work.
• Proven experience advising government departments or private sector clients.
• Confidence to lead on complex legal work independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead on high-value and complex commercial contracts.
• Advise on innovative project structures including public-private partnerships.
• Mentor and supervise junior lawyers.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Project management

Client relationship management

Drafting skills

Job description

Overview

Commercial Projects - Principal Associate | 7+ PQE | National Law Firm | Birmingham | Hybrid Working

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a seasoned Commercial Projects Solicitor to join the Birmingham office of a highly respected national law firm. This firm is recognised for delivering high-value, complex and nationally significant projects - and is now seeking to appoint a Principal Associate to help lead and shape the continued growth of its top-tier Commercial Projects team.

This role offers the chance to work on headline-grabbing projects across the public and private sectors, including major government contracts and infrastructure initiatives. You will be advising on some of the most important procurements and partnerships in the UK.

The Role

As a senior member of the team, your responsibilities will include:

• Leading on high-value and complex commercial contracts, including financial and technical schedules.
• Advising on innovative project structures, including public-private partnerships and PFI variation/expiry.
• Providing pragmatic, strategic legal advice to public and private sector clients.
• Mentoring and supervising junior lawyers and supporting their development.
• Driving business development initiatives, including client training, pitch preparation, and events.
• Collaborating with Partners and leading on project delivery and client relationships.
• Option to advise on public procurement matters and develop further expertise in this area.

About You

You will be an experienced commercial lawyer with:

• A minimum of 7 years\' PQE in commercial law, projects, or public sector work.
• Proven experience advising government departments or acting for private sector clients contracting with government.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills (experience with the Model Services Contract is desirable).
• A collaborative and commercial approach to problem-solving and client delivery.
• Confidence to lead on matters and manage complex legal work independently.
• Security Clearance is a plus but not essential.

Why Apply?

• Join a high-performing, collaborative national team at one of the UK\'s Top 50 law firms.
• Work on complex, high-profile projects with real national impact.
• A leadership-level role with early responsibility and influence on strategic client matters.
• Strong prospects for career progression and further leadership opportunities.
• Enjoy hybrid working and flexible arrangements tailored to modern legal professionals.
• Receive a highly competitive salary, bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Be part of a firm ranked in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work and Investors in People Platinum accredited.

Apply Now

If you are an experienced Commercial Projects lawyer looking to take the next step in your career at a top national firm with a strong Birmingham presence, we would love to hear from you. Apply now or for a confidential discussion, please contact Angharad Warren at BCL Legal.