Hays
Commercial Contracts Associate (2-6 PQE)

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Your new company
This is an opportunity to join a leading national law firm with a highly regarded Commercial team that forms part of a wider Commercial, Regulatory and Data practice. The team advises a broad range of public and private sector organisations on strategically important commercial contracting matters, supporting clients across industries including technology, manufacturing, retail, energy and the public sector.
The firm is recognised for its collaborative culture, strong client relationships and commitment to developing talented lawyers within a growing national practice.
Your new role You will join an established commercial team advising clients on a diverse range of commercial contract matters. Working closely with experienced colleagues, you will support clients on complex contractual arrangements, developing your technical expertise while gaining exposure to high-quality work across a variety of sectors.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Advising on a broad range of commercial contracts, including supply and services agreements, technology and intellectual property agreements, framework agreements and strategic partnering arrangements.
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
- Supporting clients across both public and private sector organisations.
- Assisting with commercial contract due diligence exercises as part of wider corporate transactions.
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships through direct client contact.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across national commercial and sector-focused teams.
- Supporting business development activities and contributing to knowledge-sharing initiatives.
- Managing competing priorities and delivering high-quality legal advice within agreed deadlines.
- Continuing to develop technical and commercial knowledge through training and practical experience.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What you'll need to succeed
You will be a qualified solicitor with experience handling commercial contract matters and a genuine interest in developing your career within this area of law.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Experience advising on commercial contracts.
- Strong drafting, negotiation and written communication skills.
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of clients' business objectives.
- The ability to build effective relationships with both clients and colleagues.
- A proactive and self-motivated approach to work.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
- A collaborative mindset and willingness to learn.
- Ambition to develop your career within a growing national commercial practice.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
What you'll get in return
- High-quality commercial contracts work for a diverse client base.
- Opportunity to work alongside experienced commercial lawyers within a nationally recognised team.
- Hybrid working arrangement.
- Structured career development and ongoing training.
- Supportive and collaborative culture with genuine progression opportunities.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Alternatively, email or call us now on 0161 228 7770.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Location