Principal Associate - Technology/Commercial - Leeds

What does the role involve?

This is an exciting opportunity to further your career working as part of a fast growing, friendly team that delivers high quality work for an impressive list of clients across a range of sectors.

We are looking for a commercial solicitor capable of leading work on complex IT and data protection matters and comfortable supervising work of associates where appropriate.   

As part of the role, you will also be encouraged to lead business development initiatives to build upon the existing reputation of the team, focusing particularly on opportunities in Yorkshire and the North of England. 

We expect the work will be varied in nature, including:

• leading the risk analysis and negotiations on technology licensing arrangements and outsourcing
• advising clients on a variety of data protection queries
• supervising associates on commercial contract drafting, data protection documentation, and due diligence on IT, commercial and data protection

Clients that the team works with currently include: Mid-market corporates; Fast growth technology businesses; Central Government Departments, executive agencies and non-departmental public-bodies; Sports governing bodies; Higher Education providers; High profile charities; Health sector bodies (public and private).

Why should I apply?

This is a fantastic time to join us. Our Leeds office is growing rapidly and with ambitious plans, reflecting the growth in demand for the expertise we offer, the opportunities offered to work on exciting cutting-edge projects, and a culture encouraging innovation within a supportive environment.  As an experienced IT, data and commercial lawyer, you will be a key part of our Leeds team, critical to our growth strategy. 

You will have the chance to make the role your own, able to target the opportunities that best suit you, as well as having the opportunity to work on high profile national IT and data projects on which the firm is instructed.

The role offers the opportunity for career progression as the team continues to grow.

What experience is required?

You will have 8+ years post qualification experience gained in a large regional, national or international firm. You will have excellent technical skills in contract law and data protection law. You will be a commercially-minded lawyer, who is prepared to turn your hand to a wide range of work and interested in the development of more junior lawyers.

What skills and attributes would I need?

• Excellent written English and a keen eye for detail
• Ability to build relationships with clients, potential clients and multipliers
• Strong negotiating skills
• Self-starting, with common-sense and initiative
• Excellent interpersonal and team skills, including ability to work in line with the firm’s values of respect for each other, working together, strong client relationships, and openness
• Good research skills, including an ability to use online information sources

You will be able to demonstrate an:

• interest in IT and data protection law and how it impacts on relationships between organisations
• ability to ask the right questions about what clients are trying to achieve from their commercial relationships
• ability to understand the environment that clients work in and to deliver “advice that advises”, both orally and in writing
• ability to assimilate a lot of information quickly and focus on the key issues

You will have

• good time and file management skills to enable you to juggle lots of different matters
• flexibility to apply fundamental legal and commercial skills to a diverse range of contracts and arrangements
• dedication to providing outstanding client service
• ability to work under pressure

Who would I be working with?

You will be working with our Commercial team members based in Leeds (4 Partners, 3 Senior Associates, 1 Associate) and you will be part of the wider cross office Corporate and Commercial National Service Line headed up by partner,  Kevin Lowe. It is anticipated that you will work with IT, data and commercial law colleagues across our offices, especially colleagues in Manchester, led by partner  Paul Knight.

What else should I know?

Mills & Reeve is a major UK law firm renowned for its outstanding service to national and international clients, for its collaborative culture and for its deep sector expertise. We have over 1000 staff, with seven offices in England.

The firm has been named for a record 20th year running as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the annual survey and is the only UK law firm to have achieved this.  We are also delighted to have been named by RollonFriday as one of the top law firms in the UK for the sixth year running.

Pre-employment screening

Please note that, in the event that we make an offer for a role, we will conduct pre-employment screening that includes, but is not limited to, a basic DBS check, right to work check, any disciplinary history recorded with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and a self-declaration to assess your character and suitability for the role.  A full policy of the screening the firm undertakes is available on request.

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 cautions) 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.