Senior Commercial Associate

Vasto Legal Recruitment Ltd; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm in Cardiff is seeking an experienced Senior Associate (Commercial Lawyer) to manage a diverse caseload, including drafting and negotiating contracts for public and private clients. The ideal candidate has over 3 years’ PQE in commercial law, strong drafting skills, and the ability to build long-term client relationships. This role offers competitive remuneration, a comprehensive benefits package, and the opportunity to play a key role in the firm's growth in Wales.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Collaborative office culture

Qualifications

• Experience gained in a leading firm or in-house role.
• Strong experience in drafting and advising on a variety of commercial contracts.
• Commitment to working collaboratively within the Cardiff team.

Responsibilities

• Manage your own caseload of commercial work across public and private sectors.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts.
• Advise on large-scale projects and commercial risk management.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Technical drafting skills

Client relationship building

Education

3+ years’ PQE in commercial law

Job description

Senior Associate – Commercial

Location: Cardiff (hybrid working)

The Opportunity

A Top 100 UK law firm is seeking an experienced Commercial Lawyer (Senior Associate) to join its highly regarded Cardiff-based team. Acting for major public and private sector clients across England and Wales, the team is consistently recognised for delivering innovative, high-profile projects. Clients include central and devolved government, healthcare providers, transport operators, defence and security bodies, universities, and major corporates.

With an enviable client base and involvement in some of the UK’s largest and most transformational projects, this role offers the chance to work on complex, high-quality transactions while playing a key role in the continued growth of the practice in Wales.

The Role

As Senior Associate, you will:

• Manage your own caseload of commercial work across public and private sectors
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts including supply of services, manufacturing, distribution, and technology agreements
• Advise on large-scale projects, procurement processes, and commercial risk management
• Support other teams with due diligence and ancillary commercial arrangements
• Deliver training, presentations, and client seminars
• Contribute to business development and practice growth, particularly within the Welsh market
• Work closely with senior colleagues on high-profile transactions for household-name clients
• Provide mentorship and support to junior team members

About You

The ideal candidate will bring:

• 3+ years’ PQE in commercial law, with experience gained in a leading firm or in-house role
• Strong experience in drafting and advising on a variety of commercial contracts
• Exposure to public sector clients, procurement, or subsidy control would be advantageous
• Additional knowledge of telecoms, data protection, or regulatory matters would be welcomed
• Excellent technical and drafting skills, with strong attention to detail
• Commercial awareness and a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach
• A confident, personable manner with the ability to build long-term client relationships
• Commitment to working collaboratively within the Cardiff team (3+ days office presence expected)

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• A role at Senior Associate level within a nationally recognised Top 100 firm
• High-quality, complex work with a prestigious client base across multiple sectors
• Opportunity to play an active role in practice growth and development in Wales
• Hybrid working with a strong, collaborative office culture

For a confidential discussion, please contact Jonny Dickens on 07747 520 600 / [e-mail]