Senior Associate

William James Recruitment; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 112,500 - 137,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary up to £125k

Generous bonus structure

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Company Pension

Private Travel & Medical Insurance

Job summary

William James Recruitment is representing a Birmingham commercial practice seeking a Principal Commercial Associate (7+ PQE) to own high-value commercial, IP and IT matters. You will advise on complex contracts, negotiate terms, and provide strategic, commercially-focused guidance to clients across sectors.

The role offers a clear pathway to partnership, leadership opportunities, and a chance to mentor junior lawyers while contributing to business development within a nationally connected team.

Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge of commercial, IT, and IP law.
• Proven experience managing complex commercial matters.
• Commercial awareness and practical, solutions-focused approach.
• Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Enthusiasm for business development and leadership activities.
• Ambition to progress toward a senior partner-level role.

Responsibilities

• Advising on and managing a portfolio of commercial contracts and technology agreements
• Drafting, negotiating, and reviewing high-value commercial, IP, and IT arrangements
• Leading client matters and providing strategic, commercially-focused advice
• Supporting business development initiatives and client relationship building
• Supervising and mentoring junior colleagues
• Participating in leadership activities and contributing to the growth of the practice

Skills

Commercial law

IT law

IP law

Client management

Education

Solicitor qualification in England & Wales

Job description

Commercial Principal Associate 7+PQE - Birmingham - Salary up to £125k

The Opportunity

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Commercial Associate (7+ PQE) to join an established Birmingham commercial practice.

This role offers exposure to a broad spectrum of commercial matters, including:

• High-value supply and purchasing arrangements
• Agency and distribution agreements
• Outsourcing and managed services contracts
• Technology and IT agreements
• Intellectual property licensing and exploitation
• Data protection and regulatory advice

You will have the chance to work with clients across multiple sectors, gaining visibility on strategically important matters while developing your commercial and technical expertise.

For the right candidate, this role provides a clear pathway to Partnership, alongside opportunities to lead significant client matters, manage projects, and participate in business development initiatives.

You can expect:

• Ownership of your own high-value client matters
• Exposure to complex, cross-sector commercial and IP work
• Opportunities to participate in leadership and team development activities
• Mentoring from senior lawyers with structured support
• Clear frameworks for partnership progression and long-term growth

The Team

You will join a nationally connected commercial practice working collaboratively on complex matters for sophisticated clients.

The team advises on:

• Commercial and supply contracts
• Technology, IT, and outsourcing arrangements
• IP licensing and exploitation
• Data protection and compliance matters

The team is supportive, high-performing, and collaborative, offering the opportunity to learn from senior colleagues while building your own profile. This role is ideal for a lawyer who enjoys variety, responsibility, and developing deep commercial insight.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising on and managing a portfolio of commercial contracts and technology agreements
• Drafting, negotiating, and reviewing high-value commercial, IP, and IT arrangements
• Leading client matters and providing strategic, commercially-focused advice
• Supporting business development initiatives and client relationship building
• Supervising and mentoring junior colleagues
• Participating in leadership activities and contributing to the growth of the practice

The Candidate

You’ll be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 7+ years’ PQE, ideally gained within a City or large regional firm.

• Strong technical knowledge of commercial, IT, and IP law
• Proven experience managing complex commercial matters
• Commercial awareness and practical, solutions-focused approach
• Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships
• Enthusiasm for business development and leadership activities
• Ambition to progress toward a senior partner-level role

This role is ideal for a senior lawyer ready to take ownership of client matters, contribute strategically to the team, and play a visible role in growing the practice.

The Benefits

• Salary up to £125k
• Generous bonus structure
• 25 days annual leave package plus bank holidays
• Company Pension
• Private Travel & Medical Insurance

WILLIAM JAMES RECRUITMENT

William James Recruitment is the number one recruitment partner to law firms in the UK & internationally. We work with a variety of top-tier clients, including a range of legal 500 firms.