Job Description Corporate & Commercial Associate to Legal Director Salary: £70,000 - £120,000 Location: Central London | Elite International Firm Elevate your corporate law career with a globally recognised firm at the forefront of transformative deals. Our client, a leading Top 100 international law firm with a commanding presence across major financial centres worldwide, is seeking an exceptional Corporate & Commercial Associate or Legal Director to join their prestigious London office. This is an outstanding opportunity to work on landmark transactions, advise blue-chip clients, and accelerate your career within a firm renowned for its excellence and innovation. The Role As a Corporate & Commercial Associate/Legal Director, you'll be integral to delivering sophisticated corporate advice on high-profile, complex transactions. You'll work alongside market-leading partners, collaborate with international teams, and gain unparalleled exposure to work that shapes industries and drives business transformation. Your key responsibilities will include: Advising on high-value mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, private equity, and joint ventures Managing substantial transactions independently whilst supporting partners on strategic, multi-jurisdictional deals Building and developing strong client relationships with a focus on business development and client retention Drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements, including shareholder agreements, investment documents, and corporate contracts Providing commercially focused, strategic advice to clients across diverse sectors including technology, financial services, energy, and healthcare Supervising and mentoring junior solicitors, trainees, and paralegals Contributing to thought leadership, client seminars, and the strategic development of the London corporate practice About You Essential Requirements: Qualified Solicitor with 4-8 years PQE in corporate and commercial law Substantial experience in UK corporate transactions, including M&A, private equity, corporate finance, or commercial contracts Exceptional technical drafting and negotiation skills with attention to detail Proven ability to manage complex, multi-party transactions and deliver under pressure Strong client relationship management skills with a commercial, solutions-oriented approach Demonstrable business development capability or appetite to develop your own client following Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams High degree of professional integrity and commitment to excellence Desirable: Experience within a Top 100, Magic Circle, or leading international law firm Sector-specific expertise in high-growth areas such as technology, fintech, life sciences, or renewable energy Track record of client origination or business development success Experience working on cross-border or multi-jurisdictional transactions Supervisory or mentoring experience with junior team members What's On Offer Highly Competitive Remuneration Package: Salary: £70,000 - £120,000 (dependent on experience and PQE level) Substantial performance-related bonus linked to individual contribution and firm success Comprehensive private medical insurance for you and your family Generous pension scheme with significant employer contributions Life assurance, income protection, and critical illness cover Career Development: Accelerated progression pathway to Legal Director and Partnership World-class training and development programmes including technical, commercial, and leadership training Opportunities for international secondments to offices across Europe, US, Asia, and the Middle East Dedicated mentorship and coaching from senior partners and practice heads Support for professional qualifications, accreditations, and continuous professional development Access to firm-wide innovation initiatives and emerging practice areas Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid working arrangements with options to work from home and the office Generous annual leave (25 days plus bank holidays, with additional days for long service) Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave policies Comprehensive wellbeing programme including mental health support, employee assistance programme, and wellness initiatives Flexible working options to support individual circumstances and work-life integration Additional Benefits: Prime Central London location with excellent transport links and modern office facilities Season ticket loan, cycle-to-work scheme, and travel benefits All professional subscriptions and memberships fully covered (Law Society, specialist associations) Regular social events, networking opportunities, and firm-wide celebrations Pro bono opportunities and commitment to corporate social responsibility Strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion with active employee networks and initiatives Access to exclusive client events, industry conferences, and thought leadership platforms Location & Working Arrangements Based in the firm's Central London headquarters, you'll work in a cutting-edge office environment designed to promote collaboration, innovation, and productivity. The office is superbly located with direct access to major transport hubs. The firm's progressive hybrid working policy offers flexibility to balance office collaboration with remote working, ensuring you can perform at your best whilst maintaining work-life balance. Why This Opportunity? This role offers a unique combination of world-class work, exceptional career progression, and genuine work-life balance. You'll join a firm that is not only a leader in the legal market but also a pioneer in creating a modern, inclusive, and supportive working environment. Whether you're an ambitious associate seeking to elevate your practice or ready to step into a Legal Director role with partnership prospects, this opportunity provides the platform, resources, and client portfolio to achieve your professional ambitions. You'll work on transactions that make headlines, advise clients at the pinnacle of their industries, and be part of a team that sets the standard for excellence in corporate law. The firm's investment in its London office, combined with its international network and commitment to innovation, makes this an unparalleled opportunity for a corporate lawyer seeking to define the next chapter of their career. Next Steps If you're an exceptional corporate lawyer ready to join a leading international firm and work on the most significant transactions in the market, we want to hear from you. To apply or arrange a confidential conversation about this opportunity, please contact: Mara Watson Legal Recruitment Consultant Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Email: m.watson@h-fts.com Website: www.h-fts.com Please submit your CV along with a covering letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in this role. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.