Senior Associate, Franchise & IP Commercial

Fieldfisher; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Health cash plan

Dental insurance

Life assurance

Critical illness insurance

Matched pension contributions up to 7%

Holiday trading

WFH policy

Job summary

Fieldfisher seeks a technically strong and commercially minded Senior Associate to lead complex franchising, distribution, and brand-related matters for UK and international clients. You will draft and negotiate strategic agreements, advise on expansion routes to market, and mentor junior lawyers within a collaborative, high-performing IP team.

The role offers a hybrid working model in London, with opportunities to engage across Fieldfisher's international network and contribute to business

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales with strong relevant experience.
• 5+ years PQE in an international law firm or comparable environment.
• Significant franchising, distribution, licensing, or route-to-market experience.
• Experience advising brand owners or consumer-facing businesses is advantageous.
• Excellent drafting, negotiating, and transaction management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to business development.
• Commercial awareness and proactive client service.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management across global teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex franchising, distribution, commercial and brand-related matters for UK and international clients.
• Draft, negotiate and advise on franchise, licensing, distribution, sponsorship and advertising agreements.
• Advise on expansion strategies and routes-to-market.
• Support advertising and marketing compliance issues.
• Build strong collaborative client relationships and manage matters end-to-end.
• Mentor junior lawyers and contribute to BD and thought leadership.
• Supervise trainees and support their development.
• Develop client relationships through excellent service and responsiveness.
• Contribute to pitches, publications and industry events.
• Drive matter management, budgets and timelines.
• Collaborate across international offices and practice groups.
• Support knowledge management initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with professional standards and firm policies.

Skills

5+ years PQE

Franchising experience

Distribution

Licensing

Brand protection

Commercial awareness

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder management

Mentor junior lawyers

Business development

Education

Qualified solicitor in England & Wales

Job description

Fieldfisher seeks a technically strong and commercially minded Senior Associate to lead complex franchising, distribution, and brand-related matters for UK and international clients. You will draft and negotiate strategic agreements, advise on expansion routes to market, and mentor junior lawyers within a collaborative, high-performing IP team.

The role offers a hybrid working model in London, with opportunities to engage across Fieldfisher's international network and contribute to business