Senior Associate - 9 month FTC

Bates Wells; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Bates Wells is seeking a qualified UK solicitor to join the Commercial team on IT and IP contracts for a 9-month FTC, with options for both full-time or part-time arrangements. The role offers flexible hybrid working, a client-focused practice, and cross-department collaboration.

The ideal candidate will have 5-7 PQE, strong communication, and a drive to contribute to business development while mentoring junior colleagues. Bates Wells emphasizes social purpose and client impact in its practice.

Qualifications

• Qualified UK solicitor with 5-7 PQE and experience in IT and commercial contracts.
• Experience in IP licensing.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Client-centric approach.
• Collaborative and teamwork oriented.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Curious and flexible to evolving client needs.
• Interest in the firm’s social purpose.

Responsibilities

• Work in the Commercial team on IT and commercial contracts.
• Advise on IP licensing and licensing agreements.
• Develop relationships with clients and cross-department collaboration.
• Mentor junior fee earners and contribute to business development.

Skills

Client relationships

Collaboration

Communication

Results-oriented

Education

Qualified UK solicitor with 5-7 PQE

Job description

This is a 9 month FTC with an ideal start date of March 2028. We are also open to both full time and part time arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

The Role

This is an exceptional opportunity to join our Commercial team and work for a range of impactful and purposeful organisations. Our lawyers work across commercial contracts and regulatory advice specialising in technology, AI, IT and outsourcing, SaaS and cloud services, IP, licensing, franchising and e-commerce, manufacturing, advertising and marketing, distribution, sponsorship and joint ventures.

The Commercial team supports a fantastic variety of clients including life sciences organisations, EdTech, MedTech, retail brands, trade and royal charter bodies, publishers, universities, awarding organisations, SMEs, B-Corps, social enterprises and charities.

We encourage all our lawyers to pursue their personal interests through their practice, develop management skills through supervising junior fee earners, contribute to business development and work cross-departmentally through our wide range of exceptionally strong sector groups.

Our permeable team structure ensures a supportive environment coupled with the opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues across the department.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

About you

• Qualified UK solicitor at 5-7 PQE with significant experience in IT and commercial contracts, as well as IP licensing
• The ability to build, maintain and nurture relationships
• A client-centric approach
• Teamwork – there is a place for individual effort but we highly value a collaborative approach
• A results-focused mentality – we hope you’ll challenge the status quo if you feel it’ll benefit our work
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Curious mindset and flexible approach to meeting our clients evolving needs
• A genuine interest in the work we do; we encourage questions about the business and invite you to test assumptions and propose ideas

Finally, we want people whose values reflect our own and who feel inspired working in a firm with a strong social purpose.

Impact-Driven Purpose

We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities, and planet.

Committed to the Climate

Through our Climate Programme, we reduce environmental impact and drive a just transition to net zero.

We foster a diverse, inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.

Flexible and Hybrid Working

Our hybrid model supports balance, with part-time options and at least two office days weekly.

We offer green pensions, IVF support, private healthcare, and more for your well-being and growth.

About Bates Wells

At Bates Wells, we’re not the average law firm. We believe that actions speak louder than words. We strive to do the right thing as a business and to help our clients make a positive impact on their people and society.