Corporate Associate

VWV Law; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

VWV is seeking a corporate lawyer with a grounding in M&A to join our corporate team across our offices. You’ll handle transactional matters, work with education sector clients, and enjoy a supportive culture that values integrity and client focus.

We welcome candidates with a couple of years post-qualification experience, whether in private practice or in-house, who are looking for a broader, less-micromanaged environment and genuine career exposure.

Qualifications

• A couple of years of corporate law experience, preferably with M&A exposure.
• Strong transactional skills and client-focused approach.
• Ability to operate with integrity and clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Handle corporate matters including M&A for Education sector clients.
• Prepare and negotiate deal documentation with attention to risk and scope.
• Work collaboratively across VWV offices to deliver high-quality outcomes.

Skills

M&A experience

Transactional work

Communication skills

Integrity

Education

Qualified solicitor or equivalent

Job description

Here at VWV our corporate team is thriving. Renowned as a firm for our culture and values, we pride ourselves on giving our lawyers the greatest exposure to high quality work at every stage of their career. We're now looking for a corporate lawyer with a strong grounding in M&A work to join any of the offices of our corporate team.

Poorly you’ve a couple of years of corporate expertise or maybe you've been practising for a number of years and feel frustrated by micro-management. If so, then look no further…. here at VWV, we do things very differently!

About Us

Although we have over 620 employees from four offices in Bristol, Birmingham, London and Watford, you’ll be struck by our close-knit culture. We believe in integrity and authenticity - in each one of us being ourselves both in our interactions with each other and with our clients. That means you’ll join a team and a firm that doesn’t do arrogance - you’ll join the "VWV family". As a Top 100 UK law firm you won’t be surprised by the quality of our work, but you may be surprised by the breadth of it. Our clients range from family owned business, SMEs, PLCs and multi-national organisations within a variety of sectors such as technology, life sciences and education.

The opportunity

We’re looking for a corporate lawyer with ideally at least a couple of years of post- qualified experience, most likely working at solicitor or associate level. The role will involve all of the corporate work you’ll be used to undertaking such as M&A work, but with the opportunity to work with clients in one of our most prestigious sectors - the education sector for which we are top ranked nationally in Chambers and Partners. As such, you’ll enjoy real variety of work for leadership level individuals across our early years and independent school clients, as well as those in the broader education ecosystem. The work is interesting, fast paced and rewarding - these are clients who really value our professionalism and expertise and for whom we can make a real difference. You can feel confident that your workflow will be consistent and steady, and importantly, the matters on which you’re acting, will often be high profile in nature. You’ll also relish the fact that no two days are the same.

About You

You’re a corporate lawyer with a passion for transactional work and either some experience in the education sector or simply an interest in it. This is an area where clients rely on us as trusted advisors to demonstrate empathy and understanding as well as technical excellence so you’re someone for whom communication skills come easily and integrity is part of your DNA.

Perhaps you’re currently in private practice and are looking for a change of culture, or maybe you’re in house and are seeking a return to private practice… either way, we’d love to hear from you.

Where will I be working?

At VWV we have a truly unique and engaging culture that we hold dear. We work hard but we also love to have fun and we recognise that it’s the social interaction between us that really shapes our culture. Whilst this role can be aligned to any of our offices in Bristol, London, Birmingham, or Watford, we would like you to work predominantly from one of our locations across the working week so that you may benefit first-hand from our warm and friendly culture as well as facilitate cross referral opportunities from your colleagues in other teams. We are of course happy to discuss any specific requirements of hybrid working with candidates on an individual basis.

Why choose us?

There are so many reasons to stop and explore VWV further. We’re known for our friendly and welcoming culture where teamwork and collaboration are key. There’s no pigeon-holing or glass ceilings here, just a professional yet relaxed culture where you can finally be yourself. At VWV, we’re committed to your growth with our bespoke Learning Academy, offering structured career-level programs across core business areas to prepare you for promotion opportunities and career advancement - join us to unlock your full potential.

We’re striving to be an inclusive employer, to create a workplace and environment that promotes and values diversity, where everyone, regardless of background, can reach their full potential. Contact our recruiter to discuss any adjustments needed so we can make this the best possible candidate experience for you.

How To Apply

Whilst we’re renowned for our transparent and welcoming culture, we know that making the next career move can be daunting. To help you to get more of a flavour for life at VWV and to find out what our own people say about us, we invite you to watch this short video on the right hand side. If you feel ready to apply, then please click on the red "Apply Now" button at the foot of the advert.

If you have one or two questions on the role or firm before you feel happy to apply, please contact Emma Forrester, Head of Talent Acquisition on 07384 256175 or [e-mail]

Recruitment agencies

We’re happy to accept agency introductions for this vacancy subject to the acceptance of our standard agency terms. If you’re an agency and think you might have a suitable candidate, please make an anonymous approach to our Recruiter.