About Us
We are an international law firm employing over 2,200 people globally across 28 international offices in 14 countries committed to delivering exceptional legal services to clients across global markets and industries. Our focus on quality standards drives our ambition to strengthen a high-performance culture by embedding excellence throughout our legal services practice. We foster an inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels they 'Belong' and can contribute effectively and are empowered to grow, innovate, and deliver outstanding client outcomes. It takes everyone to make us who we are and how we are. We're a culture of diverse perspectives, with each of us making unique contributions that make us better together. Our Values and Behaviours are driven by collaboration and are central to how we work and how we support our clients and colleagues, and together we value:
- People First – We put colleagues, clients and communities at the forefront of all we do.
- Embracing ESG – We collectively leave things better than we found them and focus on representing the diversity in our communities and striving for equity for all.
- Collaboration – Is the catalyst for success. We communicate in a constructive and thoughtful way.
About the Team
Our market leading Commercial team advises an enviable and diverse range of clients, from established multinational brands to ambitious growth businesses, on some of their most important strategic and brand-related matters. The team has an outstanding reputation for its expertise in franchising, distribution, agency, supply chain, outsourcing, IP licensing, advertising and marketing; helping clients achieve their strategic business priorities and develop, protect and commercialise their brands both in the UK and internationally. Our work spans strategic commercial projects, complex franchise expansion projects, innovative commercial agreements, brand licence arrangements, sponsorships, promotions and regulatory compliance.
Led by market-leading practitioners recognised by Chambers, Legal 500 and Lexology Index, the team works collaboratively with colleagues across the firm's international platform of offices and closely with clients across sectors including retail, education, automotive, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, hospitality, leisure, entertainment, sport and consumer-facing industries. Advising on high-profile marketing campaigns, international growth strategies and innovative commercial ventures, the team offers associates the opportunity to work on a broad mix of high-quality, commercially focused matters for well-known brands and emerging market leaders alike. The Commercial team
Role Purpose
Our career development drivers set out what professionals are expected to demonstrate at each level of development. In this role, the Senior Associate will be expected to contribute across the following areas:
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Business & Financial Management e.g. Contributes to the negotiation of profitable fee levels for a variety of clients.
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Client Focus e.g. Able to work on large client matters with limited supervision.
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Working with People & Teams e.g. Delegates work to more junior colleagues and manages their performance and manages upwards effectively by making best use of partner/director time.
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Business Development e.g. Project manages BD activities and uses interaction to win new work from existing clients and contacts.
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Technical Skills e.g. Has a comprehensive knowledge of specialist areas of law and recognises where changes in law may require amendments to precedents and takes action.
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Knowledge & Innovation e.g. Successfully implements knowledge sharing initiatives within the team and client base and actively seeks publication or speaking opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead on complex franchising, commercial and brand-related matters for a diverse portfolio of UK and international clients.
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Draft, negotiate and advise on franchise, licensing, sponsorship, advertising, and other strategic commercial agreements.
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Advise across a range of sectors on supply chain, routes to market and complex outsourced services arrangements including cross-border arrangements.
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Support clients with advertising and marketing compliance issues, including promotions, campaigns and regulatory considerations.
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Advise on brand development, protection and commercialisation strategies for well-known and emerging brands.
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Build strong collaborative client relationships and take an active role in managing matters from instruction through to completion.
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Mentor junior lawyers and contribute to business development initiatives, thought leadership and the continued growth of the practice.
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Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and trainees, supporting their professional development.
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Develop and maintain strong client relationships through excellent service delivery and responsiveness.
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Contribute to business development initiatives including pitches, client presentations, publications, and industry events.
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Drive efficient matter management, financial discipline, and delivery against budgets and timelines.
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Collaborate effectively across international offices and practice groups.
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Support innovation, process improvement, and knowledge management initiatives within the practice.
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Ensure compliance with professional standards, firm policies, and regulatory obligations.
About You
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious, technically strong and commercially minded lawyer who thrives in a collaborative, market facing and high-performing environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills, consistent technical excellence and sound commercial judgement, along with the ability to manage complex matters while building trusted relationships with clients and colleagues in a collaborative and supportive team.
Experience and Qualifications
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Qualified solicitor in England & Wales or another common law jurisdiction with strong relevant experience.
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Significant post-qualification experience with 5+ years PQE within a leading international law firm or comparable in-house environment.
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Strong experience within a Commercial Contracts team delivering commercially focussed advice.
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Excellent drafting, negotiating documentation, managing transactions end-to-end, and analytical skills.
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Displays resilience and the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure with the ability to think laterally and solve complex problems.
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Delivers work efficiently while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
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Demonstrates ability to mentor junior team members and contribute to team development.
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Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to client service and business development.
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Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills with the ability to contribute positively to team culture, promoting inclusion and collaboration effectively across global teams.
Who are we looking for?
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We don't have a type. We believe our differences are our strengths; varied cultures, approaches and experiences can only benefit us.
What do we offer?
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You can be yourself: It takes everyone to make us who we are. We’re a culture of diverse perspectives, with each of us making unique contributions that make us better together.
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In the office or WFH?: We think the best balance is more time in the office than at home, so we operate a 60:40 rule.
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Beyond salary: We offer plenty of benefits; private medical insurance, health cash plan, dental insurance, life assurance, critical illness insurance, matched pension contributions up to 7%, holiday trading, plus many more. Visit: Reward & Benefits ¦ Fieldfisher.
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Come for the WOW views: Riverbank House is in the City, just next to London Bridge with stunning views of The Shard and Tower Bridge. It's a short walk from Monument/Bank.
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Nurturing your talent: Take a 'build a career' approach to your training. You'll be on a pathway but free to wander if you see something you'd like to study more closely.
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Funnel your interests: You have a life outside work, and we can help it to flourish. Join clubs, affinity networks, inclusive events, and pro bono/charity initiatives.
Inclusion at Fieldfisher
At Fieldfisher, inclusion is central to how we work. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to succeed.
If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or once you join us, we will work with you to put the right support in place. Examples include extra time for assessments, accessible document formats, alternative interview formats, quiet rooms, or physical and technological accessibility support.
For accessibility information on our London office, visit: Accessing Fieldfisher London ¦ Fieldfisher ¦ Fieldfisher
What to do next:
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Click 'Apply Now', complete an online application and upload a CV.
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Successful applications will be invited to a 20–30-minute introductory call with a recruiter.
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Every role recruits differently. But we'll always let you know what to expect from the process, so you get no surprises.
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For hybrid opportunities, you'll be invited to visit our offices for a face-to-face meeting.
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We try to make sure the process takes around 2-3 weeks only, but we can't always promise that. We will work around everyone's availability. You can contact us at [email protected].
We recruit on a rolling basis. Your application may be reviewed before the application deadline. We accept applications until we have filled the role.
Fieldfisher is a European law firm with market-leading practices in many of the world's most dynamic sectors. We are an exciting, forward-thinking organisation with a particular focus on technology, financial services, energy & natural resources, and life sciences.
We are a law firm built around people with all their diversity and we strike a healthy balance between legal excellence and a down-to-earth practical approach to our clients' needs. We believe The Future is Human, so we choose a collaborative approach with an intense focus on the end-user and consider carefully how to shape our services to add the most value to our clients.
