Principal Associate - Commercial, IT & IP - Birmingham

The role

We are looking for an experienced commercial solicitor to be involved in a wide range of work including advice on commercial contracts, high- value supply and purchasing arrangements, agency and distribution arrangements, outsourcing agreements, strategic projects, IT agreements, intellectual property licensing arrangements and data protection advice.  You'll have the opportunity to work with clients from a range of sectors so you'll have a nice broad base to further develop your skills.

The role will also bring ample opportunities to be involved in business development initiatives.  There will also be opportunities to be involved in leadership activities, such as team supervision and engagement in other firm initiatives.  There is therefore plenty of opportunities for skills development and further career progression.

The team

As part of our top-ranked team, you will primarily be working alongside Jayne Hussey.  Jayne leads our Midlands commercial team and is Head of our Birmingham office. Jayne also leads the firm's Mid-Market strategy and the firm's In House in Focus programme (this is our programme for engaging to provide value-add support to our in house lawyer community).

In addition to working with Jayne and the rest of the Midlands commercial team, you will have the opportunity to work with colleagues across our national Commercial, IT and IP practice.  This national practice is comprised of 24 partners and 70+ lawyers. Our team works with a range of FTSE100 and FTSE 250 businesses as well as a number of other 'household name' clients. 

What experience is required?

You will be 8+ years qualified with experience gained in a City firm or large regional firm.  You will have good technical skills in commercial, IP and IT. You will be enthusiastic and pragmatic in your approach to delivering legal advice to clients. In return, you'll have the opportunity (and freedom) to develop relationships with clients and you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to be involved in a range of business development and leadership initiatives.  There is a genuine opportunity to advance your career further

What skills and attributes would I need?

You will be able to demonstrate:

• An interest in commercial law and how it impacts on relationships between businesses

• An interest in understanding what makes businesses work and an ability to ask the right questions about what clients are trying to achieve from their commercial relationships

• An ability to understand the environment that clients work in and to deliver advice that advises

• Flexibility to apply fundamental legal and commercial skills to a diverse range of contracts and arrangements

• Dedication to providing outstanding client service

• Enthusiasm for networking and business development 

• An appetite to be involved in a range of leadership activities 

Benefits

You can learn more about our benefits, hybrid policy and core values  here.

Pre-employment screening

Please note that, in the event that we make an offer of employment, we will conduct pre-employment screening that includes checks relating to your professional and academic qualifications, references from previous employers, your eligibility to work in the UK and any disciplinary history recorded with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). You will also be required to complete a self-declaration to assess your character and suitability.

Disclosure and barring service check and security clearance

This post is also subject to a satisfactory response from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (to check for any previous criminal convictions) and, given the nature of the work-type, you may also be required to undergo national security vetting to SC level – the latter can be undertaken following commencement of employment.

And finally

Mills & Reeve is committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive environment in which all our people can thrive. We hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our firm stronger, and we have a collaborative culture that celebrates different perspectives and values respect for one another, working together, and openness and integrity. Our approach to flexible working means that we work in a way that achieves the right balance for our people, our clients and for our business.