Junior Corporate & Commercial Solicitor (NQ–2 PQE)

Clara Rose Consultancy; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic legal firm in Ipswich is seeking a newly qualified solicitor to join their Corporate & Commercial team. This role offers hands-on experience with mergers, acquisitions, and commercial contracts while providing structured mentorship. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills and a commitment to excellent client service. The firm encourages career progression with regular reviews and collaborative work across various legal practice areas. This position allows for flexible working arrangements after initial training.

Benefits

Extensive in-house Learning and Development

Pension scheme

Life Assurance

Industry-leading paid time off

Discounted gym memberships

Qualifications

• As a newly qualified solicitor, you will be involved in Corporate and Commercial transactions.
• You will receive mentorship from experienced solicitors.
• Strong willingness to learn and take on responsibility is expected.

Responsibilities

• Support a wide range of clients including start-ups and SMEs.
• Work on mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructurings.
• Collaborate with teams across different practice areas.

Skills

Strong communication and drafting skills

Interest in Corporate and/or Commercial work

Commitment to delivering excellent client service

Collaborative approach

Education

Newly qualified solicitor or up to 2 years PQE

Job description

Location: Cambridge or Ipswich

Hybrid working (office-based initially with increasing flexibility)

Are you a newly qualified or early-career Solicitor looking to build your future in a supportive, ambitious, and growing Corporate & Commercial team? This opportunity offers hands‑on experience, high-quality work, clear progression, and the chance to develop quickly within a modern, collaborative firm.

The Opportunity

You will be joining a highly regarded Corporate & Commercial team that works across a broad mix of transactions and commercial advisory work. With a strong pipeline of growth across both Cambridge and Ipswich, this role offers exposure beyond your local office. You’ll work with colleagues across the wider firm, gaining experience on a variety of matters and benefiting from shared knowledge and mentorship from senior lawyers.

Initially, you’ll be based in the office so you can integrate into the team, build confidence and confidence, and receive close support. Once settled, you will move into a hybrid arrangement, giving you more flexibility while maintaining strong teamwork and supervision.

What You’ll Be Involved In

You will gain exposure to a full spectrum of Corporate and Commercial matters, supporting a wide range of clients—including start-ups, owner‑managed businesses, SMEs, family‑owned businesses and larger national organisations.

Corporate work may include:

• Mergers and acquisitions
• Buying and selling companies or businesses
• Management buyouts
• Share reorganisations
• Corporate restructurings and demergers
• Share option schemes (including EMI)
• Investments, venture capital and angel funding
• Joint ventures
• Shareholder agreements
• Corporate governance
• Own share purchases

Commercial work may include:

• Commercial contracts
• IP and technology agreements
• Data protection (including GDPR)
• Franchising and licensing
• Website terms and digital trading documents
• Supply, agency and distribution agreements
• Outsourcing arrangements
• Non‑disclosure and confidentiality agreements

You’ll also work closely with colleagues in Property, Employment, Dispute Resolution, and specialist business advisory teams, giving you a wide‑ranging view of how different practice areas collaborate to support clients.

Why This Role Stands Out

Clear and Transparent Career Progression

This firm is committed to developing early‑career lawyers. You’ll understand exactly what’s required at each stage of your progression, with regular reviews, support, and opportunities to build the skills needed to advance.

Cross‑office Collaboration

You won’t be confined to one geographical patch. You’ll work with lawyers and clients across Cambridge, Ipswich, and beyond—giving you broader exposure and a richer learning environment.

High‑quality work with mentorship

You’ll be closely supported by experienced corporate and commercial solicitors, gaining meaningful responsibility early on while benefiting from structured guidance and training.

Hybrid working once established

The firm values flexibility and trust. Expect office‑based support initially, moving to hybrid working once you’re confident and settled in.

Benefits Package

Career Development

• Extensive in‑house Learning and Development
• Leadership programmes
• CPD, subscriptions and practising certificates fully covered
• Support with further qualifications

Financial Wellbeing

• Pension scheme (6% employer / 2% employee)
• Life Assurance (3x salary)*
• Permanent Health Insurance*
• Enhanced maternity and sickness pay
• 0% interest season ticket loan
• Discounts on legal services for you and your family

*Available after probation

Lifestyle

• Industry‑leading paid time off
• Agile and hybrid working options
• Discounted gym memberships
• Health & Wellbeing Health cash plan*
• Employee Assistance Programme
• In‑house Mental Health First Aiders
• Occupational Health
• Cycle to Work and car lease schemes

Who We’re Looking For

You’ll be a newly qualified solicitor or up to 2 years PQE with:

• A genuine interest in Corporate and/or Commercial work
• Strong communication and drafting skills
• Willingness to learn and take on responsibility
• A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for teamwork
• Commitment to delivering excellent client service

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to grow quickly, work closely with experienced lawyers, and build a long‑term future with a firm that invests heavily in junior development.

Whether you're ready to apply or just curious to learn more, a confidential chat is welcome.

Contact: Clara Rose 📧 [e-mail] 📞 07971 493048

Conversations are completely confidential and without obligation - feel free to reach out and explore whether this is the right fit for your career.