Senior/Principal Associate - Commercial Education

Were hiring an experienced Commercial Solicitor to work across our technology, education and government sectors, joining our growing, national team. The role Were looking for a commercially minded solicitor to join our team, working on a high-quality mix of contracts and strategic projects. Youll advise on commercial agreements, including complex supply chains, joint ventures, outsourcing, IT, and data protection, often with an international element. Youll work with clients across technology, education, and government sectors, delivering pragmatic, business-focused advice and building strong relationships from day one. This role can be based in any of our offices (excluding London and Oxford), providing a great opportunity to grow your profile. The person Youll be a commercially astute solicitor with 6+ years PQE, gained in a large regional, national, or international firm. Youll bring strong technical expertise across commercial, IT and IP law, coupled with a pragmatic, client-focused approach. Youll thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy building relationships with clients and colleagues alike. Youre confident in your ability to ask the right questions, quickly understand complex issues, and deliver advice that is both practical and impactful. Were looking for someone who is: * A strong communicator with excellent written English and attention to detail * A confident negotiator with sound commercial judgment * Proactive, self-starting and solutions-oriented * Able to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure * Curious and engaged, with a genuine interest in how commercial and IT law shapes business relationships * Committed to delivering outstanding client service In return, youll have the freedom to grow your client relationships, get involved in leadership and business development initiatives, and take the next step in your career within a supportive and forward-thinking team. The activities * Advising clients on complex commercial contracts and strategic projects * Drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements across multiple sectors * Supporting clients on IT, IP and data protection matters * Collaborating with colleagues across the firm to deliver seamless legal advice * Building and maintaining strong client relationships * Contributing to business development initiatives and thought leadership * Managing a varied caseload with autonomy and accountability * Identifying commercial risks and delivering clear, actionable advice The benefits As youd expect, we offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits. Click here to find out more about our core benefit offering. If we offer you a role, we will conduct comprehensive pre‑employment screening. This screening will include, but is not limited to, a basic DBS, verification of your right to work, a three‑year employment history and a self‑declaration to assess your character and suitability for the role. Full details of our pre‑screening employment process are available upon request. The firm Mills & Reeve is centred on achieving more for clients, their businesses and the wider communities we serve. Our clients and their industries benefit from our knowledge and learning, and receive consistent experiences with no surprises. We tell them what they need to know when they need to know it. We build personal relationships, with advice individually tailored to individual need. And if clients need things we dont offer, we draw on our network to give recommendations. Our 1,450 plus people and over 850 lawyers share one vision – achieving more for clients. By joining Mills & Reeve, youll have the chance to build your skills and experience within a firm thats not only ranked in the top 50 UK law firms, but also one that truly values their people. Were also ranked in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list, and have been awarded Platinum Investors in People. Our mantra is “Achieve more. Together.”, which we feel embodies our purpose and is more than just a catchphrase! Our values * Were ambitious– We aim high, we embrace new ideas and were passionate about our work * Were open– We communicate openly and honestly to build trust, and we do whats right * We care– Were committed to each other, our clients, our communities and the planet * We collaborate– Were easy to work with, we offer help willingly and we get things done – together And finally Everyone at Mills & Reeve brings a unique perspective and ideas to the team and we do everything we can to help each person to thrive. Were committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment, are happy to consider flexible working arrangements, and want to achieve the right balance for both our people and the firm. We encourage everyone to ask if they feel they need any workplace adjustments, and will do our best to support with these. Office: Birmingham, Cambridge, Leeds, Manchester J-18808-Ljbffr