Senior or Principal Associate - Commercial - Oxford

What does the role involve?

This is an exciting opportunity for you to join a fast growing, friendly and award winning team that delivers high quality work for an impressive list of clients. You will be part of a team which is top ranking in the legal directories.

You will join our leading national commercial team in our Oxford office, to undertake a wide range of work including advice on commercial contracts, outsourcing projects, IT agreements, intellectual property, data protection and there is an opportunity to work on procurement advice.

Our Oxford office is our newest office and is based in the centre of Oxford.

With support and guidance from senior lawyers and our PSL team, you will work on your own matters which include drafting and negotiating a wide range of licence agreements, commercial contracts, including standard terms and conditions, outsourcing agreements, distributorship and agency agreements, website terms of use and privacy policies, supply contracts and joint venture agreements. You will also have the opportunity to work on intellectual property ownership issues, data protection and public procurement strategy and documentation.

Why should I apply?

This is a fantastic time to join us.  Our Oxford office has the buzz and camaraderie of a start-up, growing rapidly and with ambitious plans.  As an experienced commercial lawyer, you will be a key part of our Oxford 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 – our sector strength means that are particular opportunities to work with the world leading technology businesses around Oxford.  You will also have the chance to influence the shape of the commercial team as it grows.

As well as the buzz of an office in start-up mode, you will have the reassurance of joining an established national team with a strong brand and reputation.  Our collaborative culture ensures you will have the support of the wider commercial partner group and access to people and resources from across the commercial team.

The role offers a great platform for you to build your career as we continue to invest in the opportunities we see in the Oxford market.

What experience is required?

You will have 4+ years post qualification experience gained in a large regional, national, international firm or as part of an in-house team. You will have excellent technical skills in commercial law with a strong interest in commercial, IP, IT and information law. You will be a commercially-minded lawyer, who is prepared to turn your hand to a wide range of work.

What skills and attributes would I need?

• Good academics
• 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 with others
• Good research skills, including an ability to use online information sources
• Good IT skills

You will be able to demonstrate an:

• interest in commercial law and how it impacts on relationships between businesses
• understanding of what makes businesses work and an 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 a range of our Commercial partners, in particular  Peter Wainman.  You will also play a part in Oxford initiatives and will support the head of the Oxford office, Peter McLintock.

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.