Commercial Associate (3 - 6 years PQE)

What you’ll do

We are seeking to recruit a motivated and enthusiastic Associate (ideally with between 3-6 years PQE) to join our well-regarded and growing Commercial and IP team. Based in our Bristol office, you will report directly to and work closely with the Partners, David Varney (David Varney | Ashfords) and Suzie Miles (Suzie Miles | Ashfords), to play an integral part in the team, working across a full range of non-contentious commercial services.

Our Commercial and IP team specialises in advising companies of varying sizes - from entrepreneurial start-ups to major international organisations - on a wide range of commercial legal issues. As part of this role, you'll be advising a range of clients on drafting, negotiating and reviewing commercial contracts, software, hardware, maintenance and support contracts and goods and services agreements.

The role will include getting involved with a wide range of commercial work, including in commercial contracts, IP, data protection, cybersecurity, AI, technology and IT. Your typical caseload will include technology licensing agreements, digital transformation projects, general commercial agreements, AI development and licensing agreements, digital content creation and distribution contracts, data provisions within a broad range of contracts as well as standalone data protection and cybersecurity matters, drafting and reviewing SaaS agreements, goods and services agreements and agency and distribution arrangements. There will also be some work supporting colleagues in our corporate finance team on transactions, notably in the technology sector.

Within a busy team, and mutually supportive environment, you will enjoy high quality, high value work from the outset and become an integral part of our team.

Who you are

As an experienced commercial lawyer, ideally with experience gained at a national or city firm, you will have a proven track record of delivering high quality work, preferably with some focus on data or technology work.

As an excellent communicator with proven technical and organisational skills, you'll be accustomed to working under pressure to meet challenging deadlines. Having already gained good general commercial and contract experience, you will be looking to further develop your skills with access to high quality work. You will be supported by more senior members of our team but you will also be comfortable demonstrating initiative.

With a strong eye for detail, you will be used to drafting complex contracts whilst being meticulous in your work, and using your initiative while working as part of a team. You will bring the benefit of your experience in your legal career to date but will still be willing to learn and contribute to our team as you continue to grow and build our practice. Being self-motivated and ambitious, you will already possess the drive to help continue to grow and develop our business.

Our relationship with our clients is paramount, and you will be able to demonstrate your ability to build strong and lasting relationships with clients, and show a genuine commitment to their business needs. Dedicated and enthusiastic, you will have the ability to work efficiently with a commitment to client care and willingness to get involved in business development.

Your Career. Our Commitment.

At Ashfords, we believe in more than just doing great work - we believe in building a great place to work.

When you join us, you become part of a team where everything we do is underpinned by our four core values: Be Open, Think Team, Make a Difference and Always Grow. These values shape who we are and how we work - they guide our decisions, influence our culture, and drive the way we support our people, clients and communities.

With a clear focus on innovation, community involvement, and supporting a healthy work-life balance, we are committed to building an environment where our people can have a rewarding and meaningful career.

Whilst we recognise that every career journey is unique, we will be ambitious for you, giving you the tools, trust, and opportunities to develop your career, your way.

Our goal? To help you realise your full potential as part of a forward-thinking team.

Our offer

We know that our people are at the heart of everything we do – and that’s why we’re committed to supporting your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance.

Beyond our benefits package, you’ll be encouraged, no matter what your role or career level, to get involved in our Responsible Business programme, where you’ll support initiatives such as charity fundraising, environmental causes and our employee led diversity and inclusion groups.

You can find out more about our benefits by visiting the Reward & Wellbeing page on our website.

What’s next?

Our recruitment process typically involves two stages, which are designed not only to explore your skills and experience but also to give you a real insight into what it’s like to work at Ashfords.

Throughout the process, our dedicated Talent Attraction team will be here to support you every step of the way.

We believe that building a firm with a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences drives innovation and strengthens our teams, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

To support your growth, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you reach your full potential – so even if you don’t feel you match all the requirements of the job role, we’d still love to hear from you.

At Ashfords, we’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or would like to discuss anything regarding your application, please contact us at talentattraction@ashfords.co.uk.

For an informal and confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Toby Tompkins, Talent Attraction Manager - t.tompkins@ashfords.co.uk.

Or apply now, and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.