Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Managing Associate
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** Senior Commercial Lawyer • Newcastle**
Our Commercial team in Newcastle sits at the core of one of the most dynamic UK regions. With an enviable client base spanning the North East of England, we deliver a diverse portfolio of commercial contracting work—ranging from regionally significant projects to cross-border and international mandates. Our clients include:
- Household names
- Multinational corporations
- Established heritage businesses
- Rapidly growing SMEs
- Public sector organisations
This work is fundamentally aligned with the North East’s growth agenda, offering opportunities to shape the region’s prosperity through strategic involvement in critical initiatives such as:
- Energy transition and infrastructure projects
- Complex supply chain arrangements
- Technology deployments
About the Role
We are seeking a commercial lawyer to drive high-value, sophisticated projects at the forefront of the region’s industrial and energy roadmap—holistically balancing strategic sector expertise with hands-on contract leadership.
Key Responsibilities
To succeed here, you will:
- Lead complex, high-impact projects, supporting leadership in contracts and transactions critical to the North East’s economic outlook.
- Build strong relationships with clients and develop an in-depth, client-led appraisal of their business challenges.
- Adopt an in-house approach—prioritising accessible, pragmatic, and commercially focused advice over traditional legalese.
- Differentiate your offering with collegial and collaborative expertise, leveraging firm-wide cross-border networks (including national and international Lex Mundi colleagues).
- Engage proactively in business development activities, including attended high-profile events, industry conversations, and regional governance.
- Mentor and contribute to knowledge exchange and talent development.
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The role sits primarily in Newcastle, with rotational flexibility within our North East vice offices in Newcastle and Teesside, and collaborative responsibility across our Leeds and broadening UK network.
Requirements & Ideal Profiles
We are looking for a high-achieving, commercially astute lawyer with demonstrable excellence in both technical contracting and client leadership. Considerable weight is given to:
Minimum Criteria
- UK-qualified solicitor (England, Wales, or Scotland) with 7+ years of commercial contracts experience.
- Proven track record in negotiating and advising on complex, high-value transactions.
- Impeccable skills in drafting, real-time contract negotiation and client communication.
- Leadership in senior-level client engagements, skilled at processing and translating legal considerations into clear, actionable business advice.
- Commitment to team development and mentor relationships across junior professionals.
- Initiative and energy for business development—ideally from backgrounds in in-house or national law firm practice.
Equally Valuable
- Experience in (not exclusive to): advanced manufacturing, energy transition, life sciences, logistics, infrastructure, or international trade.
- Hands-on familiarity with cross-border law or international development portfolios.
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Why Join Us?
A Human Culture of Engagement
We operate as not-just-a-firm, offering a dynamic environment centred on inclusivity, growth, and genuine collegialism. You’ll find:
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Flexible work practices – From hybrid working to familial leave, we prioritise a supportive model that respects flexibility.
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Mindful Health Initiatives – Access to mental health resources, Mindful Business Charter commitment, and wellness support programmes.
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Diversity and Inclusion (DEI) – An active network of supported employee groups for (among others) race, LGBTQ+, disabilities/neurodiversity, and gender/communities. Ongoing discussions support programme evolution.
"Difference thrives here." (Read more about DEI)
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Accessible Recruitment – As a signatory to inclusive hiring practices, we’re committed to adjusting processes as needed. If you have a disability or require modifications (e.g., alternative formats) please initiate a conversation with the recruiter.
For candidates with a disability or long-term condition meeting the minimum criteria, we welcome a dedicated affirmative interview fast-track.
"The North East isn’t just a place—it’s an engine. We’re proud to power it with expertise at every level."
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