Commercial Senior Associate / Managing Associate - Exeter

Chadwick Nott; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Chadwick Nott seeks a Commercial Senior Associate or Managing Associate to join its Exeter office. You will advise a broad range of clients from start-ups to household brands on complex contracts, SaaS, data privacy and IP, working within a respected firm with Legal 500 and Chambers recognition.

You'll develop client relationships, lead on matters, and collaborate with partners across the practice to drive growth and ensure high-quality, pragmatic legal solutions in a flexible, hybrid working

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with circa 5+ years’ PQE in Commercial and/or Technology law.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Experience advising businesses across sectors.
• Commercial awareness with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Advise a broad range of clients on commercial and technology matters.
• Draft and negotiate complex contracts, SaaS and technology agreements.
• Develop client relationships and contribute to growth initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the firm’s wider business teams.

Skills

Drafting & Negotiation

Client relationship building

Stakeholder management

Commercial awareness

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years PQE in Commercial/Technology law

Job description

Commercial Senior Associate / Managing Associate - Exeter

Our client is a well-established, nationally recognised law firm with a strong presence across the UK and an excellent reputation in the Commercial sector. Consistently ranked in both Legal 500 and Chambers, the firm is known for combining high-quality legal expertise with a collaborative and forward-thinking culture.

As the Commercial team continues to expand, an opportunity has arisen for a talented Senior Associate or Managing Associate to join the Exeter office and play a key role in the team's ongoing success.

The Role

You’ll become part of a thriving Commercial practice advising a broad range of clients, from ambitious start-ups and technology businesses through to established companies, public sector organisations and household brands.

The work is varied and intellectually stimulating, covering matters such as:

• Complex commercial contracts
• Technology and software agreements
• SaaS and digital services arrangements
• Outsourcing and business‑critical projects
• Intellectual property and brand protection
• Data privacy and compliance matters
• Distribution, agency and franchising agreements
• Commercial aspects of wider corporate transactions

Alongside managing your own matters, you’ll work closely with colleagues across the firm’s wider business teams, help strengthen client relationships and contribute to strategic growth initiatives.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor with circa 5+ years’ PQE in Commercial and/or Technology law
• Strong technical drafting and negotiation skills
• Experience advising businesses across a range of sectors
• Commercially aware with a pragmatic and solutions‑focused approach
• Enthusiastic about building client relationships and developing new opportunities
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively

Additional experience in areas such as technology, AI, intellectual property or data protection would be welcomed but is not essential.

Why Join?

• Opportunity to join a highly regarded Legal 500 and Chambers‑ranked team
• High‑calibre work with a diverse and impressive client portfolio
• Genuine long‑term career progression opportunities
• A supportive, ambitious and collaborative working environment
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Strong commitment to learning, development and career advancement
• The chance to make a tangible contribution to the continued growth of a successful practice

This role would suit an ambitious Commercial lawyer looking to take the next step in their career while enjoying high‑quality work, excellent client exposure and a genuine opportunity to help shape the future direction of a growing team.

At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.