Corporate Partner

William James Recruitment; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Flexible schedule

Profit sharing

Autonomy

Leadership opportunities

Job summary

William James Recruitment is partnering with a leading Bristol-based corporate law firm to recruit an experienced Corporate Partner. The role involves leading high-value transactions, developing client relationships and steering the growth of the corporate practice in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.

The successful candidate will have solicitor status in England & Wales, senior-level corporate experience, and a track record of driving business development while mentoring junior lawyers.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor status in England & Wales.
• Significant experience in a recognised corporate practice.
• Existing Partner or senior lawyer ready to step into partnership.
• Strong technical expertise across M&A, private equity and corporate transactions.
• Excellent commercial awareness and business development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a broad range of complex corporate transactions.
• Advise on mergers and acquisitions, including share and asset sales and purchases.
• Support clients on private equity and venture capital investments.
• Draft and negotiate shareholder & investment agreements and joint venture arrangements.
• Provide strategic and commercially focused advice to founders, entrepreneurs, investors and growing businesses.
• Act as a trusted adviser to clients throughout their business lifecycle.
• Develop and strengthen long‑term client relationships.
• Play an active role in business development and networking initiatives.
• Contribute to the strategic growth and direction of the Corporate practice.
• Mentor, supervise and develop junior lawyers within the team.

Skills

M&A

Private equity

Corporate transactions

Business development

Client relationships

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Education

Solicitor in England & Wales

Job description

Corporate Partner - Bristol - Up to £150,000

A highly regarded specialist Corporate law firm is seeking an experienced Corporate Partner to join its growing Bristol office.

This is a rare opportunity for an established Corporate Partner or a senior lawyer ready to step into partnership to play a leading role within an ambitious and entrepreneurial practice. The firm has built a strong reputation advising founders, investors, management teams and fast-growth businesses on complex transactional and strategic matters, offering the quality of work typically associated with much larger firms while maintaining a collaborative and agile culture.

The successful candidate will become a key figure within the Corporate team, advising on high-value transactions, developing client relationships and helping to drive the continued growth and success of the practice.

The Role:

• Lead and manage a broad range of complex corporate transactions
• Advise on mergers and acquisitions, including share and asset sales and purchases
• Support clients on private equity and venture capital investments
• Draft and negotiate shareholder agreements, investment agreements and joint venture arrangements
• Provide strategic and commercially focused advice to founders, entrepreneurs, investors and growing businesses
• Act as a trusted adviser to clients throughout their business lifecycle
• Develop and strengthen long‑term client relationships
• Play an active role in business development and networking initiatives
• Contribute to the strategic growth and direction of the Corporate practice
• Mentor, supervise and develop junior lawyers within the team
• Collaborate with colleagues across the wider business to deliver exceptional client service

About You:

• Qualified Solicitor status in England & Wales
• Significant experience within a recognised Corporate practice
• Existing Partner status, or be an experienced Senior Associate, Legal Director or Senior Corporate lawyer ready to step into partnership
• Strong technical expertise across M&A, private equity and general corporate transactions
• Excellent commercial awareness and business development skills
• A proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships
• Experience managing complex transactions and leading deal teams
• A collaborative leadership style and a passion for mentoring junior lawyers
• An entrepreneurial mindset and genuine enthusiasm for helping businesses grow
• Strong negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills

The Benefits:

• Salary of up to £150,000 depending on experience
• Attractive bonus and profit‑sharing potential
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Significant autonomy and influence within the business
• High‑quality work for entrepreneurial and growth‑focused clients
• A modern, agile and collaborative working environment
• Long‑term progression and strategic leadership opportunities

More About William James Recruitment

William James Recruitment is a specialist legal recruitment consultancy, partnering with leading law firms across the UK and internationally. We work with a range of highly regarded clients, including Legal 500‑ranked firms, advising on senior and strategic appointments.