Principal Associate - Commercial - Birmingham or Leeds - 7+ PQE

The role we are recruiting for is specific to the commercial contracts part of our Birmingham team and will involve advising both private sector companies and large public sector bodies on a local, national and international level. The work is highly varied and will extend across a wide range of businesses in a wide range of sectors such as transport, automotive, real estate, utilities and industrial engineering. This role involves:-

• leading workstreams - covering a wide range of commercial matters from high value, long term strategic arrangements to more day-to-day operational agreements and standard forms including outsourcing, facilities management arrangements, services agreements, supply arrangements and agency and distribution agreements
• supervision and support - providing regular supervision and supporting and developing the junior members of the team. This will be a key part of the role and you should enjoy supporting and coaching team members in this way
• client relationship management - actively engaging with clients to manage their relationships and workloads; leading on scoping work effectively, producing quotations and ensuring work is carried out profitability and properly supervised
• co-ordinating with and providing advice to or obtaining advice from specialist colleagues such as real estate, corporate, employment, tax, privacy, competition, regulatory, litigation and IP
• business development initiatives, including contributing to pitches, delivering internal and external training, arranging client events and many softer BD initiatives including networking
  
  We expect you to be able to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of commercial contract terms and also the key legal, commercial and operational issues arising across a multitude of commercial deals. You must be able to lead transactions, as well as demonstrating strong drafting, analytical and negotiation skills, attention to detail and be able to understand the commercial impact of your advice when advising clients on technical matters of law, build strong client relationships - working to get a full understanding of the client's needs and its business drivers from the outset and building a rapport with clients by questioning and exploring their requirements
• project manage and communicate effectively at different levels and with clients (both legal and non-legal) and colleagues around the globe
• effectively supervise - with experience in coaching and developing team members and providing regular feedback to aid learning and development
• receive and be open to developing your own skills - working with partners where needed and receiving appropriate supervision from partners
• manage a heavy workload and the competing demands of clients which arise from running a number of separate transactions at once
• understand and take responsibility for matter profitability and manage your own financials and the financials of junior colleagues on matters you supervise
• initiate and lead business development activities (internal and external) and be self-starting in your approach to winning work, You will possess strong technical skills, drafting skills and excellent academic qualifications. In addition, you will be able to demonstrate commercial acumen, exceptional organisational skills as well as a high attention to detail. Ideally you will have trained at a City or leading regional firm, giving you exposure to similar commercial transactions. You should be a team player, client focused and a good communicator with a strong practical approach to your workload. A commitment to delivering a high-quality service is essential, as is the ability to juggle the demands of a heavy workload. You will provide a first-rate client service both internally and externally. Typically, you will have a minimum of 8 years PQE to have gained the required breadth and depth of experience for this role. A band of PQE as advertised on a role does not preclude applications from those candidates that may have more or less PQE. Our intention is only to
  
  We are Eversheds Sutherland, a global law firm, with 5,000+ colleagues in more than 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.
What to expect: As a lawyer, you enjoy a variety of work: regional to international and across practice groups. With us, you grow your global mindset. You're encouraged to put ideas into action and there's always something new and different to get involved in. We see the fast-moving world as a place where we can all thrive and succeed. We're excited for what's next, so with us, you can be too. Our team: Our Birmingham team focuses on commercial contracts, rail, privacy and technology law. We cover a range of work from day-to-day matters for local and national clients to large outsourcings and multinational projects, working with our colleagues around the globe. We are a friendly and approachable team and are looking for someone who wants to be part of our team,
• We're a modern, progressive law firm. We think differently and we've built a culture where individual skills and personalities can shine through. At Eversheds Sutherland, we believe that innovation comes from a culture of genuine equality, diversity and inclusion and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, or once in post.
• In addition to the above, Eversheds Sutherland also require awareness of and full participation in the Firm's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, the environment and health and safety.
What's in it for you? At Eversheds Sutherland, we provide benefits focused on looking after you: your development, your performance, your financial future and your health, as well as providing the opportunity to make a contribution to the world.
• We're fair, transparent and equitable
• We share in the success of the firm, reward alignment to our values, going above and beyond and your individual performance
• We support flexible ways of working through our remote working policy and commitment to flexible, agile and hybrid ways of working
• We support your health and performance through our dental, healthcare and wellness support
• We support everything you are and all you bring through our powerful commitment to diversity and inclusion
• We provide a platform for your career, whatever your ambitions through our structured professional and personal training, mentoring and development programs
• We provide experience and opportunity through international and cross-function exposure
• We provide an opportunity to give back through our pro bono work and community engagement
• We help you plan ahead through retirement planning, insurance and assurance
Diversity and 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.