Commercial Lawyer

SUMMARY:

A full-service law firm providing legal advice to UK and international businesses, as well as individuals and families, is seeking the above to be responsible for providing commercially focused legal advice to UK and international clients across a broad range of commercial and corporate matters, with a particular emphasis on commercial contracts, contract drafting, negotiation and review. The successful candidate will be a qualified and admitted attorney/lawyer with strong practical experience in commercial contract work and the ability to understand, draft, review and negotiate complex contractual arrangements.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum requirements for the role: Must be a qualified and admitted attorney\/lawyer with the relevant professional qualification and right to practise in the applicable jurisdiction Strong post-qualification experience in commercial law, ideally within a law firm or commercial legal environment Significant practical experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts Strong understanding of commercial contract principles and the ability to identify and explain contractual risks Demonstrable experience advising clients on commercial agreements and contractual matters Experience managing matters from initial instruction through to completion Strong legal drafting and negotiation skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities Excellent attention to detail and accuracy Ability to understand complex legal and commercial issues and communicate them clearly to clients Ability to manage multiple matters, priorities and deadlines effectively Strong organisational and time-management skills Professional, commercially minded and client-focused approach Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with solicitors, partners and wider teams The successful candidate will be responsible for: Drafting, reviewing, negotiating and advising on a broad range of commercial contracts and associated legal documentation. Taking primary responsibility for commercial contract matters, from initial instruction through to negotiation, execution and completion. Drafting and negotiating agreements including master services agreements, supplier agreements, customer agreements, distribution agreements, licensing agreements, consultancy agreements, agency agreements, outsourcing agreements, confidentiality agreements, terms and conditions and other commercial arrangements. Reviewing contracts and providing clear, commercially focused advice on key obligations, liabilities, indemnities, warranties, limitations of liability, termination rights, payment provisions, intellectual property, confidentiality, data protection and dispute resolution. Identifying contractual and commercial risks and advising clients on appropriate mitigation strategies. Negotiating contractual provisions with clients, suppliers, customers, counterparties and their legal representatives. Advising clients on contractual interpretation, obligations, rights and potential areas of dispute. Assisting clients with the development and implementation of contract templates, standard terms and contractual processes. Supporting clients with contract management, renewals, variations, amendments and termination arrangements. Ensuring contractual documentation is accurately drafted, commercially appropriate and aligned with the client's objectives. Advising and assisting on a range of corporate and commercial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, business disposals, corporate reorganisations and restructuring matters. Assisting with the preparation, review and negotiation of transaction documentation. Conducting and managing legal due diligence exercises and identifying material legal and commercial risks. Preparing due diligence reports, risk summaries, transaction documents and related correspondence. Assisting with transaction execution, completion processes and post-completion requirements. Working closely with solicitors, partners, clients and external advisers to ensure transactions progress efficiently and within agreed timescales. Supporting outsourcing projects and other strategic commercial arrangements. Providing legal support and advice on construction-related commercial matters and projects. Drafting, reviewing and negotiating construction-related agreements, including JCT and NEC contracts, consultant appointments, subcontract agreements and collateral warranties. Reviewing contractual provisions relating to payment, programme, delay, termination, liability, insurance, warranties and risk allocation. Advising clients on contractual obligations and potential risks arising during the life of construction projects. Assisting with the negotiation and management of amendments, variations and project documentation. Conducting detailed legal research into legislation, case law, regulatory requirements and relevant commercial issues. Providing practical legal advice that considers both the legal position and the client's wider commercial objectives. Monitoring relevant legal and regulatory developments affecting clients and their commercial arrangements. Preparing concise legal opinions, advice notes and research summaries for clients, solicitors and partners. Assisting with matters involving UK and international clients and cross-border commercial arrangements. Developing and maintaining strong professional relationships with clients and acting as a trusted legal adviser on commercial matters. Communicating clearly and confidently with clients regarding legal issues, contractual risks and recommended courses of action. Liaising directly with clients, counterparties, solicitors, consultants and other professional advisers. Participating in client meetings, contract negotiations, transaction calls and internal meetings. Managing client expectations, deadlines and deliverables effectively. Understanding the commercial drivers behind client instructions and providing pragmatic, solutions-focused legal advice. Managing a portfolio of commercial matters with appropriate supervision based on experience and complexity. Maintaining accurate and comprehensive legal files and ensuring all documentation is properly recorded and stored. Managing matter deadlines, transaction milestones and contractual deliverables. Ensuring all legal work is completed to a high professional standard and in accordance with applicable regulatory and professional requirements. Identifying matters requiring escalation and communicating potential legal or commercial risks promptly. Maintaining and developing commercial precedents, templates and know-how resources for the Commercial team. Supporting the Commercial team with client development and relationship-building initiatives. Assisting with the preparation of legal updates, articles, client briefings and other commercial content. Identifying opportunities to develop existing client relationships and supporting the wider business development strategy. Contributing to internal knowledge sharing and the development of the firm's commercial offering. Please note that subsequent to the screening and shortlisting process, all further communication will be entered into only with the shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive any feedback from us within 2 weeks of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.