Corporate & Commercial Partner – Flexible/Hybrid
Salary: £130,000 + bonus (negotiable) | High-growth, entrepreneurial firm | Lead, shape, and grow the practice
Step into a genuine Partner-level role where you will own client relationships, drive growth, and shape the future direction of a thriving Corporate & Commercial offering. This is an opportunity for a Corporate & Commercial Solicitor or Legal Executive who wants autonomy, variety, and a clear commercial voice—without the bureaucracy or hierarchy of a traditional big-firm environment.
The Opportunity
You will sit at the heart of the firm's corporate and commercial practice, acting as a trusted adviser to founders, directors, high net worth individuals, and established businesses across multiple sectors. You will lead on high-value transactions, build a strong pipeline of work, and develop long-term client relationships that genuinely value your input at board level.
Key areas of work include:
* Joint Ventures & Shareholder Arrangements
Advising early-stage and scaling businesses on shareholder agreements, bespoke articles, founder arrangements, and governance structures across professional services, accountancy, recruitment, manufacturing, construction, and property development.
* Investment Transactions (Debt & Equity)
Supporting clients through fundraises typically in the £1m–£5m range, including equity investments, crowdfunding, convertible loan notes, and subscription agreements—alongside standout mandates such as a £16m equity raise for a longstanding food & drink client.
* Mergers & Acquisitions
Acting for buyers and sellers on share and asset sales typically valued between £1m–£5m, including landmark matters such as an £18m sale of a family-owned business to a trade buyer.
* Corporate Restructuring
Leading restructuring projects ahead of sales or investment rounds, including reorganising group structures for significant deals such as an £18m share sale and a £20m property sale.
* Institutional & Private Lending
Advising institutional lenders on facilities and security packages (usually £3m–£5m), and supporting private lenders on B2B loans in the £500k–£1m range.
* Growth Shares & Incentive Schemes
Designing and implementing growth share arrangements, EMI schemes, and incentive structures, often working closely with employment colleagues on exits, disputes, and leadership changes.
* Commercial Settlements & Contracts
Drafting and negotiating terms of business, framework agreements, SaaS contracts, consultancy agreements, manufacturing and distribution agreements, licensing and agency agreements, and data protection documentation for clients including professional services firms, an AIM-listed tech company, and a global sports footwear platform.
About You
* UK-qualified Solicitor with a valid Practising Certificate, or experienced Legal Executive operating at partner level.
* Proven Partner-level experience in a boutique or mid-tier environment, or clear evidence you are already operating at that level in practice.
* Strong, broad background across corporate and commercial work, including M&A, investments, and commercial contracts.
* Comfortable advising on varied corporate matters, including group reorganisations, structuring and pre-sale planning.
* Confident, credible communicator with the ability to win trust and build long-term relationships with founders, directors, and high net worth individuals.
* Entrepreneurial mindset, with appetite to build, lead, and grow a practice area—not just manage a caseload.
What Sets This Firm Apart
* Collaborative, friendly team with a relaxed, non-bureaucratic culture and genuine work–life balance.
* Strong, sustainable work pipeline through a close partnership with a leading accountancy practice, giving access to quality, transaction-ready clients.
* Attractive, transparent bonus structure with significant earning potential for partners who help drive revenue and growth.
* Non-hierarchical environment that supports autonomy, initiative, and commercial decision-making.
* Flexible working model: typically two days in the office (Tues/Thurs) with the remainder remote/hybrid, supported by modern systems.
Package & Benefits
* Salary: £130,000 + bonus (open to negotiation for the right candidate and business case).
* Hybrid working with excellent flexibility.
* Casual dress and a modern, down-to-earth working environment.
* Company pension and private medical insurance.
* Regular company events and social activity.
* Structured mentoring and support for your own leadership and business development journey.
Why Goldfinch & Partners?
Goldfinch & Partners is the go-to recruiter for the legal industry, partnering with ambitious law firms and businesses across the UK to build high-performing teams. As specialist legal recruiters, we understand the nuances of Partner-level moves, from business cases to culture fit, and provide discreet, honest guidance at every stage.
For a confidential conversation about this role— or to explore other senior corporate and commercial opportunities that align with your ambitions—get in touch with Goldfinch & Partners. All enquiries are handled in strict confidence, and no details are shared without your express consent.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £130,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London EC4A 2EJ