In-House Commercial Contracts Lawyer | NQ+ PQE | Manchester
This is not a traditional fee-earning role. You will not have billable targets. Instead, you sit at the centre of the firm's own operations, drafting, negotiating and advising on the contracts that keep a sophisticated law firm running.
The Role
Your day-to-day will include:
* Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts, supplier agreements, technology contracts, procurement frameworks, data processing agreements and more
* Advising on risk, data protection and compliance, including data processing agreements and cross-border transfers
* Supporting strategic projects and helping drive continuous improvement in contracting processes
* Collaborating with procurement teams and stakeholders to ensure favourable terms and compliance with firm policies
The Team
* A centralised Procurement function supporting all the firm's procurement needs
* A dedicated legal team working closely with the Office of General Counsel, Information Security, and commercial procurement colleagues
* A supportive, high-trust environment with real autonomy
What You Will Bring
* UK-qualified solicitor (NQ+), with strong commercial contracts experience gained in private practice, in-house, or through a high-quality training seat
* Expertise in drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts, including technology and procurement agreements
* Strong understanding of commercial law, contract law, data protection, and risk management principles
* Ability to manage a substantial workload, prioritise effectively, and work autonomously under pressure
* A pragmatic, business-focused approach, you recommend solutions, not just problems
Why This Firm
* Well-established, international full-service practice with a strong Manchester base
* Genuine commitment to innovation, collaboration and quality work
* Supportive, collegiate culture, high-calibre work with high-character colleagues
Why This Makes Sense
At NQ+ level, you face a choice:
* Traditional private practice: quality work, but billable hours and partnership pressure
* Pure in-house: commercial exposure, but can feel disconnected from legal rigour or career progression
This role sits in the middle. You get the platform, brand and development support of a top-tier firm, but you work on the firm's own business. You get real autonomy, strategic influence and stakeholder relationships, but with a collaborative legal team around you.
Apply now or contact Harrison for a confidential discussion.