Senior Associate

William James Recruitment; Nechells; On-site; GBP 113,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary up to £125k

Comprehensive benefits package

Generous bonus scheme

25 days annual leave

Company Pension

Private Travel & Medical Insurance

Job summary

William James Recruitment is seeking a Commercial Principal Associate (7+ PQE) for its Birmingham practice. You will handle high-value commercial, IT, and IP matters, negotiating complex contracts and leading client matters with strategic, commercially-driven guidance.

This role offers a clear pathway to partnership, mentoring from senior lawyers, and opportunities to lead significant client work while developing business with cross-sector clients.

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

Education

Qualified solicitor 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
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Generous bonus structure
• 25 days annual leave package plus bank holidays
• Company Pension
• Private Travel & Medical Insurance