Associate / Senior Associate – Commercial Contracts Leeds 2–6 Years PQE | Permanent | Full-time We are delighted to be working with a leading international law firm to recruit a talented commercial contracts lawyer into their busy Strategic Contracts team. This is an outstanding opportunity to join a highly regarded practice with a genuinely global platform, advising on complex, high-value work across a range of sectors. The Firm Our client is a full-service global law firm with a deep bench of specialist expertise and a presence spanning more than 30 countries. They have a strong culture of collaboration and inclusion, and are genuinely committed to flexible and agile working. This role can be based in Leeds, Manchester or Birmingham. The Team The Commercial department is split into five specialist workstreams: Strategic Contracts, Technology, Intellectual Property, Data Privacy and Retail Finance. This vacancy sits within the Strategic Contracts team, which handles work ranging from day-to-day business-as-usual matters through to high-value, long-term outsourcing arrangements and complex multinational projects. The team has particular strength in global facilities and property management outsourcings and is regularly instructed on major supply chain contracts, notably in the aerospace and automotive sectors for blue chip clients. The Role Key responsibilities will include: Advising on a broad range of commercial contracts matters, from high-value strategic arrangements to standard form and business-as-usual work. Supporting private and public sector clients across sectors including transport, utilities and industrial engineering, on local, national and international mandates. Providing commercial support to corporate and real estate teams on transactional matters. Building close working relationships across the firm nationally and internationally, with exposure to different partner-led teams. Contributing to business development activity, including drafting client briefings and articles. Candidate Requirements We are looking for candidates with 2–6 years PQE who can demonstrate: A solid grounding in contract law with strong technical drafting and negotiation skills. A thorough understanding of the legal, commercial and operational issues relevant to complex contracts. Awareness of specialist areas that interact with commercial work (e.g. TUPE, data protection, competition law). Strong analytical ability and attention to detail, with the capacity to communicate effectively across different sectors and cultures. The ability to manage competing priorities and work flexibly to tight deadlines. A track record of excellent client service and a collaborative, team-focused approach. Good networking skills and a willingness to participate in business development. At Senior Associate level: the ability to coach and mentor junior team members and to work proactively with partners on client development opportunities. What’s on Offer Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with a top-tier international firm. Genuine commitment to flexible, agile and hybrid working. Structured professional development, mentoring and training programmes. International and cross-functional exposure. Strong focus on diversity, inclusion and employee wellbeing. Pro bono and community engagement opportunities. Comprehensive benefits including healthcare, dental, pension and wellness support. How to Apply To find out more or to apply in confidence, please get in touch with your CV and a brief note on your current situation. We welcome applications from candidates at all stages of this PQE range. If flexible working is important to you, please do raise this with us — our client is open to discussing arrangements that work for both parties. All applications are treated in the strictest confidence. Please contact Kim Wilkes at Think Legal on kim@thinklegalrecruitment.com