Commercial Solicitor

2025; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm is looking for an Associate/Senior Associate to join their Bristol office, focusing on public sector work. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 4 years of qualification experience, excellent drafting and communication skills, and a strong interest in commercial contracts. This role offers hybrid working options and an attractive benefits package including healthcare and performance bonuses.

Benefits

25–30 days holiday

Private healthcare

Generous pension scheme

Performance bonuses

Life assurance

Enhanced parental leave

Subsidised gym membership

Hybrid working policy

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with 4+ years of post-qualification experience.
• Experience with public sector clients is advantageous.
• Knowledge of procurement and public law is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Advise on a range of commercial contracts for public sector clients.
• Draft and negotiate collaboration agreements and project documentation.
• Mentor junior lawyers and support business development.

Skills

Commercial contracts

Public sector advisory

Drafting and negotiation

Communication skills

Commercial mindset

Education

Qualified solicitor (4+ PQE)

Job description

Overview

Associate / Senior Associate – Bristol

The Firm Our client is a full-service, UK Top 50 law firm with offices nationwide and a strong reputation in the South West legal market. With a well-established presence across the UK, the firm combines local knowledge with national reach, advising clients in both the private and public sectors. Their expertise spans Real Estate, Corporate, Dispute Resolution, and Private Client services.

The firm is recognised for its progressive, supportive culture and commitment to career development. Ranked as one of the best law firms to work for in 2024, it also stands out for its investment in diversity, inclusion and ESG strategy.

The Opportunity – Commercial Public Sector Solicitor (Bristol) The firm’s Tier 1 Legal 500 ranked Public Sector Team is looking for an ambitious Associate or Senior Associate to join their growing Bristol office. This is a permanent role, open to both full-time and part-time candidates, with hybrid working options available.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercial solicitor in Bristol who wants to specialise in high-quality public sector work. The team advises local and central government bodies, public authorities, education providers, healthcare organisations, police authorities, and executive agencies across the UK. The work ranges from supporting day-to-day operations to advising on high-profile, strategic projects that shape public services.

Responsibilities

• Acting on a wide range of commercial contracts and frameworks for public sector clients in Bristol and nationally.
• Advising on procurement law, local authority powers, and public law matters (depending on experience).
• Drafting and negotiating collaboration agreements and strategic project documentation.
• Delivering clear, practical advice on complex, high-value public sector projects.
• Supporting and mentoring junior lawyers within the team.
• Building strong relationships with clients and contributing to business development in the South West.

The Candidate

• Qualified solicitor (4+ PQE) with experience in commercial contracts.
• Previous experience working with public sector clients (or a strong interest in doing so).
• Knowledge of procurement law and/or public law would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Excellent drafting, communication and negotiation skills.
• Commercially minded, with the ability to give clear, solutions-focused advice.
• Based in or willing to commute to Bristol, with an interest in growing your career in the South West legal market.
• This role is well suited to a commercial lawyer looking to develop a career in Bristol within a nationally recognised Public Sector practice.

Benefits

• 25–30 days holiday (depending on level and service), plus Bank Holidays.
• Private healthcare.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Performance bonuses and profit share
• Life assurance and permanent health insurance.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Subsidised gym membership and electric car scheme.
• Hybrid/agile working and “dress for your day” policy.

Apply Now If you’re a commercial solicitor looking for public sector roles in Bristol, or a South West lawyer ready to step into a Tier 1 ranked Public Sector team, we’d love to hear from you.