Corporate Senior Associate

William James Recruitment; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid & flexible working

Competitive bonus

Clear progression path

Exposure to high‑quality deals

Job summary

William James Recruitment is seeking a Corporate Senior Associate to join its Bristol office. You will lead and manage a broad range of corporate transactions from inception through completion, advising on mergers and acquisitions and private equity deals.

The role offers hybrid working, a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment and clear progression opportunities as you build long‑term client relationships and play a key part in growth.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with 4+ years' PQE in corporate practice.
• Strong experience advising on M&A and broader corporate matters.
• Experience with private equity or venture capital transactions is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a broad range of corporate transactions from inception through completion.
• Advise on mergers and acquisitions including share and asset deals.
• Support private equity and venture capital investments.
• Draft and negotiate shareholder, investment, and joint venture agreements.
• Build and maintain long-term client relationships and act as trusted adviser.
• Collaborate with management teams to deliver commercially significant deals.

Skills

M&A experience

Corporate law

Negotiation

Client relationships

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Job description

Corporate Senior Associate - Bristol - Up to £100,000

A highly regarded specialist Corporate law firm is seeking an ambitious Corporate Senior Associate to join its growing Bristol office.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented Corporate Solicitor to become a key member of a dynamic and entrepreneurial practice that advises founders, investors, management teams and fast-growth businesses on a broad range of strategic corporate matters.

The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, commercially focused advice and offers a collaborative environment where lawyers are encouraged to take ownership of their work, develop strong client relationships and play an active role in the growth of the business.

The Role:

• Lead and manage a broad range of corporate transactions from inception through to completion
• Advise clients on mergers and acquisitions, including share and asset sales and purchases
• Support and lead on private equity and venture capital investments
• Draft and negotiate shareholder agreements, investment agreements and joint venture arrangements
• Provide strategic corporate advice to entrepreneurs, founders, investors and high-growth businesses
• Build and maintain strong, long‑term client relationships while acting as a trusted adviser
• Work closely with management teams and stakeholders on complex and commercially significant transactions
• Take responsibility for transaction management, coordinating matters efficiently and proactively
• Collaborate with colleagues across the wider business to deliver exceptional client service
• Assist with business development initiatives, networking opportunities and profile‑raising activities
• Support and mentor more junior lawyers where appropriate

About You:

• Qualified Solicitor with 4+ years' PQE gained within a recognised Corporate practice
• Strong experience advising on M&A transactions and wider corporate matters
• Experience working on private equity, venture capital or investment transactions would be advantageous
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and technical legal skills
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to provide pragmatic, solutions‑focused advice
• Experience managing client relationships and taking ownership of matters
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team

The Benefits:

• Salary of up to £100,000 depending on experience
• Competitive bonus structure
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Genuine progression opportunities with a clear route for career advancement
• Exposure to high‑quality, deal‑driven corporate work
• Ongoing training, development and professional support