Managing Commercial Lawyer - Legal Department

Freshfields; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international law firm in Greater London is seeking an exceptional Managing Lawyer to join its Commercial Team. This pivotal role involves influencing strategic decisions, managing complex contracts, and navigating regulatory frameworks. Candidates must have at least nine years’ experience and a strong commitment to delivering top-notch legal services. This offers a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative environment and address complex legal challenges across jurisdictions.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with at least nine years' experience from a leading law firm or multinational corporation.
• Proven ability to manage complex commercial and technology contracts.
• Strong knowledge of UK, European, and US regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Report directly to the Global Head of Commercial, influencing top-level decisions.
• Work in a small team while collaborating with Legal teams across the international network.
• Tackle complex legal issues impacting multiple jurisdictions.

Skills

Legal advice

Negotiation

Drafting

Contract management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Qualified lawyer (solicitor, barrister, or equivalent)

Job description

Our high-performing Commercial Team is at the heart of delivering pragmatic, accurate, and commercially focused legal advice to the business. We are now seeking an exceptional Managing Lawyer to join this dynamic team and play a pivotal role in supporting our global operations.

Why this role?

• Strategic Impact: You will report directly to our Global Head of Commercial, influencing decisions at the highest level.

• Collaborative Environment: Work in a small, collegiate team while partnering closely with our Legal teams and colleagues across our international network.

• Global Reach: Tackle complex legal issues in a truly global organisation, shaping solutions that impact multiple jurisdictions.

What We’re Looking For

• A qualified lawyer (solicitor, barrister, or equivalent) with at least nine years’ experience from a leading law firm or multinational corporation.

• Proven ability to manage complex commercial and technology contracts (including AI) and procurement agreements.

• Strong knowledge of UK, European, and US regulatory frameworks, including data protection and compliance requirements.

• Experience supervising and mentoring junior team members.

• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and communication skills, with a keen eye for detail.

What Sets You Apart

• Professional credibility and the ability to build trust at all levels.

• Resilience and composure in a fast-paced environment.

• A proactive mindset—ready to take ownership and deliver first‑class service.

• A passion for the law and a commitment to excellence.

About Our Legal Department

Our Legal Department comprises qualified lawyers and non‑lawyers, dedicated to managing the firm’s risk exposure and advising partners on legal and compliance issues. We support effective management of regulatory, legal, operational, and information security risks to protect and enhance the firm’s long‑term value. We achieve this through proactive risk management, training, awareness initiatives, and providing relevant intelligence and resources.

Our vision is to be recognised as a leading legal team among elite law firms—delivering excellent, commercial, and empathetic service while remaining agile, cost‑effective, and responsive to evolving business needs and risks.

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case‑by‑case basis and take a number of factors into account (eg the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision