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
• data protection advice  

You'll have the opportunity to work with clients from a range of sectors so you'll have a broad base to further develop your skills.  The role will also bring ample opportunities to be involved in business development initiatives and leadership activities, such as team supervision and engagement in other firm initiatives.  There is therefore plenty of opportunity for skills development and 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 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 11 partners and 40+ lawyers. Our team works with a range of FTSE100 and FTSE 250 businesses as well as a number of other 'household name' clients.  The team also works with a range of other organisations, including government departments, HE institutions and charitable organisations.

What experience is required?

You will be 5+ 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 have the opportunity to be involved in a range of business development and leadership initiatives and will have genuine opportunities to advance your career further.

What skills and attributes would I need?

• 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

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

• Dedication to providing outstanding client service

• Supervision of junior lawyers

• Good academics

• Excellent written English and ability to produce clear, logical drafting

• Numeracy

• Negotiating skills

• Lateral thinking and problem solving skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with evidence of leadership experience

• Flexibility to work with and supervise team members

• Effective time and matter management and a systematic approach to work

• Proactive team player

• IT literacy

• Good research skills

• An enthusiasm for becoming involved in business development initiatives

• An enthusiasm to develop your leadership skills further

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.