Solicitor - Business & Company Law - 3-5 PQE - Darlington/ Durham/ Newcastle

QED Legal LLP; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional law firm is seeking an experienced Business & Company Law Solicitor to join its corporate and commercial team. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of PQE, specializing in UK business law. Responsibilities include advising on contracts and corporate transactions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering client relationships. The firm offers a supportive environment, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits including healthcare and a bonus scheme.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Private healthcare

Death-in-service cover

Firmwide bonus scheme

Employee assistance programme

Additional day off for birthday

Regular staff social events

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of PQE in UK business and company law.
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Experience in advising on corporate transactions.

Responsibilities

• Advise on business and company law matters.
• Draft, review and negotiate contracts and agreements.
• Ensure compliance with UK laws and regulations.

Skills

Business and company law knowledge

Drafting and negotiating contracts

Problem-solving skills

Strong attention to detail

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Qualified solicitor with 3–5 years PQE

Job description

I am working with a well-established and respected regional law firm to recruit an experienced Business & Company Law Solicitor for its growing corporate and commercial team. This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor looking to join a firm with a strong presence across the North East and a reputation for delivering high-quality, partner-led advice to a broad client base.

The firm advises a wide range of owner-managed businesses, SMEs and larger corporate clients and continues to invest in its corporate and commercial offering. The role can be based in Newcastle, Darlington or Durham, offering flexibility on location.

The Opportunity

You will advise on a broad spectrum of business and company law matters, providing practical, commercially focused advice to clients. The role will involve drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts and a variety of corporate and commercial agreements, as well as acting on transactional matters including mergers and acquisitions, management buyouts, capital restructures and group reorganisations.

You will also play a key role in ensuring compliance with relevant UK laws and regulations, while developing and maintaining strong relationships with clients and other professional advisers. There is genuine scope to take ownership of matters, contribute to the growth of the department and build a long-term career within the firm.

The Ideal Candidate

This role would suit a qualified solicitor with 3–5 years’ PQE and a strong background in UK business and company law. You will have a proven track record in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts and advising on corporate transactions, alongside excellent problem-solving skills and a strong attention to detail.

You will be confident managing your own caseload and will ideally bring experience of building and maintaining client relationships from previous roles. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment. A network of business contacts in the North East and/or across the UK would be advantageous.

Rewards & Benefits

The firm offers a flexible and friendly working environment, underpinned by a supportive and inclusive culture. You will be encouraged and supported throughout your career journey, with access to ongoing learning and development opportunities.

The overall package includes a competitive salary, pension scheme, private healthcare and death-in-service cover, alongside a firmwide bonus scheme and access to an employee assistance programme. You will also benefit from a competitive annual leave entitlement, including an additional day off for your birthday, office closure over the Christmas period and regular staff social events.

To apply, please contact Aislinn Martin at QED Legal.