Job Description
Commercial Associate 2+PQE - Manchester (Open to Leeds) - Salary up to £85k
The Opportunity
An opportunity has arisen for a Commercial Lawyer (2+ PQE) to join a highly regarded commercial practice advising leading UK and international businesses.
This role offers exposure to a broad mix of commercial and technology-driven work, supporting clients operating across sectors such as consumer brands, sport, digital, technology, manufacturing and regulated industries.
You’ll be trusted early with responsibility, managing your own matters while also supporting senior lawyers on larger, strategically important projects. For lawyers looking to strengthen their commercial skillset in a fast-moving and collaborative environment, this role offers excellent scope for development.
You can expect:
* Structured support and mentoring.
* Early responsibility and meaningful client exposure.
* Opportunities to deepen expertise across commercial, tech and IP matters.
* The option to explore secondment opportunities as your career develops.
* A clear framework for progression based on performance and potential.
The Team
You’ll join an international commercial practice working closely across offices on complex and cross-border matters.
The team advises on a wide range of commercial arrangements, including:
* Commercial contracting and supply arrangements
* Technology and digital agreements
* Outsourcing and managed services
* Cloud, SaaS and licensing models
* Intellectual property use and protection
The culture is supportive, inclusive and quality-driven — combining high standards with approachability and genuine teamwork.
Key Responsibilities
* Draft, negotiate and advise on a variety of commercial contracts.
* Support clients on both customer-side and supplier-side arrangements.
* Work closely with senior lawyers on larger or multi-party transactions.
* Take ownership of matters, managing timelines and priorities effectively.
* Provide commercially focused advice that balances legal risk with business objectives.
* Engage directly with clients and build trusted working relationships.
* Collaborate closely with colleagues across offices and disciplines.
The Candidate
You’ll be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 2–6 years’ PQE, gained within a recognised commercial practice.
You will have:
* Experience advising on general commercial contracts.
* Exposure to technology, digital or IT-related matters (desirable but not essential).
* Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
* Confidence managing your own workload.
* A genuine interest in working closely with clients and understanding their businesses.
* This role would suit a lawyer who enjoys variety, responsibility and working with commercially sophisticated clients.
The Benefits
* Salary up to £85k
* Comprehensive benefits package
* Generous bonus structure
* 25 days annual leave package plus bank holidays and Christmas
* Company Pension
* Travel & Medical Insurance
Apply in the strictest of confidence
Dominika Holda, Recruitment Consultant (Commercial)
Direct Dial: 0161 826 3140 Mobile: 07376 640 525
E-mail: dominika.holda@williamjamesrecruitment.com
WILLIAM JAMES RECRUITMENT
William James Recruitment is the number one recruitment partner to law firms in the UK & internationally. We work with a variety of top-tier clients, including a range of legal 500 firms.