William James Recruitment
Corporate Senior Associate

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Corporate Senior Associate - Bristol - Up to £100,000
A highly regarded specialist Corporate law firm is seeking an ambitious Corporate Senior Associate to join its growing Bristol office.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented Corporate Solicitor to become a key member of a dynamic and entrepreneurial practice that advises founders, investors, management teams and fast-growth businesses on a broad range of strategic corporate matters.
The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, commercially focused advice and offers a collaborative environment where lawyers are encouraged to take ownership of their work, develop strong client relationships and play an active role in the growth of the business.
The Role
- Lead and manage a broad range of corporate transactions from inception through to completion
- Advise clients on mergers and acquisitions, including share and asset sales and purchases
- Support and lead on private equity and venture capital investments
- Draft and negotiate shareholder agreements, investment agreements and joint venture arrangements
- Provide strategic corporate advice to entrepreneurs, founders, investors and high-growth businesses
- Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships while acting as a trusted adviser
- Work closely with management teams and stakeholders on complex and commercially significant transactions
- Take responsibility for transaction management, coordinating matters efficiently and proactively
- Collaborate with colleagues across the wider business to deliver exceptional client service
- Assist with business development initiatives, networking opportunities and profile-raising activities
- Support and mentor more junior lawyers where appropriate
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.
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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.
About You
- Qualified Solicitor with 4+ years' PQE gained within a recognised Corporate practice
- Strong experience advising on M&A transactions and wider corporate matters
- Experience working on private equity, venture capital or investment transactions would be advantageous
- Excellent drafting, negotiation and technical legal skills
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to provide pragmatic, solutions-focused advice
- Experience managing client relationships and taking ownership of matters
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
- The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team


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The Benefits
- Salary of up to £100,000 depending on experience
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Competitive bonus structure
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Genuine progression opportunities with a clear route for career advancement
- Exposure to high-quality, deal-driven corporate work
- Ongoing training, development and professional support
Apply in the strictest confidence online or via telephone. No CV is required for an initial discussion.
Contact: Declan Young (Corporate & Commercial Specialist)
Direct Dial: 0113 511 7115 | Mobile: 07931 998 526
Email: declan.young@williamjamesrecruitment.com
More About William James Recruitment
William James Recruitment is a specialist legal recruitment consultancy, partnering with leading law firms across the UK and internationally. We work with a range of highly regarded clients, including Legal 500-ranked firms, advising on senior and strategic appointments.
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