Senior/Principal Associate, Commercial Technology

We are Eversheds Sutherland, a global law firm, with more than 5,000 people across over 30 countries. We’re full-service with deep niche and sector experience. Whatever challenge, wherever in the world, we’re equipped and ready to meet it. We live our values, we’re purposeful and purpose-led. So although the world is fast-moving and rapidly changing, we see it as a place where everyone can thrive. We’re ambitious for our clients, our communities – and for you. Whether you’re starting out on your career or well established, whether you’re a lawyer or in business services. If you’re looking for what’s next, we are too.

Our team

Our international Commercial group is split into four workstreams - Strategic Contracts, Technology, Intellectual Property and Data Privacy. We are currently recruiting for a Senior Associate or Principal Associate to join our Commercial team in our Leeds office. This would be working across both Strategic Contracts and Technology.

Our Strategic Contracts and Technology teams work on complex, headline making deals with some of our largest local, national and international clients.  In the Technology team we work across emerging tech (including AI), IT and tech-led BPO outsourcing and our Strategic Contracts lawyers have particular expertise in the aerospace, retail, automotive and pharma sectors.  We offer substantial experience in negotiating and drafting agreements and creating relationships that enable businesses accomplish their commercial objectives.

Role and key responsibilities

We are actively recruiting for a Senior Associate or Principal Associate to help grow our Leeds Commercial team.  The workload is very varied, and we are looking for a lawyer who has worked across a variety of contract types in the both strategic contracts and technology. 

As part of this role, you can expect to be involved in: 

• Advising on a broad range of contracts across a range of customer and supplier clients, from high value, long term outsourcing and supply chain arrangements to traditional IT contracts along with contracts for innovative and disruptive technologies including AI systems and services.
• Business development initiatives, including speaking at seminars for clients, internal training as well as client briefing papers.
• Client facing management
• Coaching and mentoring more junior members of the team
• Supporting the senior partners with the development and growth of the Leeds commercial team

Skills and experience

We are looking for an experienced lawyer, with 5 to 9 PQE and a good grounding in commercial contracts and tech. You must be able to demonstrate strong analytical skills and attention to detail and be able to communicate effectively at different levels and with clients from a variety of different cultures, working with clients nationally across the UK. You must be able to build strong relationships and enjoy business development activities. 

We expect you to be able to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the contract terms and the key commercial and operational issues with these types of deals. 

We are looking for:

• Experience of advising on both strategic contracts and commercial technology
• A keen interest in both areas of law
• Qualified solicitor with 5-9 years of post-qualification experience
• A good grounding in technology and commercial law, connected laws and regulations. 
• At a Senior Associate/Principal Associate level, we would be looking for someone with experience in coaching and supervising more junior members of the team
• Someone who has the ability to deal with the competing demands of clients which arise from involvement in a number of separate transactions at once and have the ability to work flexibly to tight deadlines
• Someone who is able to demonstrate the delivery of excellent client service. Due to the nature of the work in this role, drive, enthusiasm and ability to work well as part of a team are vital
• Good technical and drafting skills and demonstrates a high level of attention to detail
• Strong research skills and is familiar with the use of precedents and external legal resources

Diversity & Inclusion

At Eversheds Sutherland, “Inclusive” is a core business value. We bring together different skillsets, global mindsets and approaches. We foster diversity of thought and the freedom to put ideas into action. We have an inherent respect for the individual. We have a strong belief in collaboration and teamwork. Sharing ideas, asking questions, solving challenges and meeting our clients’ goals: together.

We want all our people to thrive at work and reach their full potential and we work hard to continue to build a diverse and inclusive culture, monitor and report on our progress and impact, and develop our approach. This is reflected in our policies, systems and processes, and in our work with diversity membership organisations.

Many of our people work flexibly in some way and we are open to considering how we can accommodate flexible working arrangements alongside role requirements. If this is important to you, please talk to us about it during the recruitment process.

We want you to perform at your best during our recruitment process. If there is any adjustment or support you need, please contact us so we can discuss how we can best assist you.

For you,

For your success.

And what's next.