Senior/Principal Associate - Commercial - IT & Data

Mills & Reeve; Norwich; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A national law firm is seeking an experienced Commercial Solicitor in Norwich. The role involves leading IT and data protection matters while supervising associates. Candidates should possess excellent technical skills and a commercial mindset. Opportunities for career progression and involvement in high-profile projects are available. The firm emphasizes a supportive work environment and encourages applications early due to expected interest.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Wide range of benefits

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Experienced in complex IT and data protection matters.
• Commercially minded with an interest in supervising junior lawyers.
• Excellent technical skills in contract law.

Responsibilities

• Lead work on IT and data protection legal issues.
• Supervise associates on commercial contract drafting.
• Advise on data protection queries and licensing arrangements.

Skills

Client relationship building

Negotiating skills

Interpersonal and team skills

Research skills

Education

Qualified solicitor

6+ years post-qualification experience

Job description

Mills & Reeve are hiring an experienced Commercial Solicitor, who has an accomplished background within the Technology and Data Protection field into their growing, national team. Click here to learn more and apply!

The role

Working as part of a fast growing, friendly team that delivers high quality work for an impressive list of clients across a range of sectors, this role offers an exciting opportunity to further your career.

We are looking for a solicitor capable of leading work on complex IT and data protection matters and supervising associates where appropriate.

As part of the role you will also be encouraged to lead business‑development initiatives to build upon the existing reputation of the team.

We expect the work to be varied in nature, including:

• advising on a variety of data protection queries
• advising on the legal issues relating to developing technologies, including AI
• advising on technology licensing arrangements
• supervising associates on commercial contract drafting, data protection documentation, and due diligence on IT and commercial risks and data protection compliance

There will be opportunities to deliver training to clients on these areas of law.

From time to time, you may assist with IT contracts and data protection matters for Mills & Reeve itself.

Clients the team works with include mid‑market corporates, fast‑growth technology businesses, central government departments and executive agencies, non‑departmental public bodies, sports governing bodies, higher education providers, high‑profile charities and health sector bodies (public and private).

This role can be based out of our Birmingham, Cambridge, Leeds, Manchester, Norwich or Oxford office.

The person

6+ years post‑qualification experience gained in a large regional, national or international firm.

Excellent technical skills in contract law and data protection law.

Commercial‑mindset with an appetite to tackle a wide range of work and new legal developments.

Interest in developing junior lawyers.

Skills And Attributes

• Ability to build relationships with clients, potential clients and multipliers
• Strong negotiating skills
• Excellent interpersonal and team skills, including the ability to work in line with the firm’s values of respect for each other, working together, strong client relationships and openness
• Good research skills and the ability to use online information sources

You Will Be Able To Demonstrate An

• Interest in IT and data protection law and how it impacts on relationships between organisations
• Ability to ask the right questions about what clients are trying to achieve from their commercial relationships
• Ability to understand the environment that clients work in and to deliver advice that advises, both orally and in writing
• Ability to assimilate a lot of information quickly and focus on the key issues

You will have:

• Good time and file management skills to enable you to juggle lots of different matters
• Flexibility to apply fundamental legal and commercial skills to a diverse range of contracts and arrangements
• Dedication to providing outstanding client service

Why should I apply?

This is a fantastic time to join us. We continue to pursue ambitious growth plans, reflecting the strength of demand for the expertise we offer, the opportunities to work on exciting cutting‑edge projects, and a culture encouraging innovation within a supportive environment.

We have recently been named as a supplier on Lot 1 of the new Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Legal Panel for Government (RM6360), meaning we can grow our relationships with Government clients and work on new and exciting IT and data projects.

You will have the chance to make the role your own, target the opportunities that best suit you, and work on high‑profile national IT and data projects on which the firm is instructed.

The role offers opportunities for career progression as the team continues to grow.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

The Benefits

As you’d expect, we offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits. Click here to find out more about our core benefit offering.

Pre employment screening

If we offer you a role, we will conduct comprehensive pre‑employment screening. This screening will include, but is not limited to, a basic DBS, verification of your right to work, a three‑year employment history and a self‑declaration to assess your character and suitability for the role. Full details of our pre‑screening employment process are available upon request.

The firm

Mills & Reeve is centred on achieving more for clients, their businesses and the wider communities we serve. Our clients and their industries benefit from our knowledge and learning, and receive consistent experiences with no surprises. We tell them what they need to know when they need to know it.

We build personal relationships, with advice individually tailored to individual needs. And if clients need things we don’t offer, we draw on our network to give recommendations. Our 1,450 plus people and over 850 lawyers share one vision – achieving more for clients.

By joining Mills & Reeve, you’ll have the chance to build your skills and experience within a firm that is not only ranked in the top 50 UK law firms, but also one that truly values its people. We are also ranked in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list, and have been awarded Platinum Investors in People. Our mantra is “Achieve more. Together.”, which we feel embodies our purpose and is more than just a catchphrase!

• We’re ambitious – we aim high, we embrace new ideas and we’re passionate about our work
• We’re open – we communicate openly and honestly to build trust, and we do what’s right
• We care – we’re committed to each other, our clients, our communities and the planet
• We collaborate – we’re easy to work with, we offer help willingly and we get things done – together

And finally

Everyone at Mills & Reeve brings a unique perspective and ideas to the team and we do everything we can to help each person thrive. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment, are happy to consider flexible working arrangements and want to achieve the right balance for both our people and the firm. We encourage everyone to ask if they feel they need any workplace adjustments, and we will do our best to support with these.

To find out more about our diversity and inclusion work, visit our website.