Associate

This new opening is for a talented lawyer who is technically strong, personable and ambitious.

They will need to be able to work independently with clients to deliver a pragmatic and hands on service, as well as having the desire to be part of a cohesive, collegiate team.

They will be seeking a role as a technical lead lawyer alongside other key members of the team.

Experience of, or an interest in, competition and regulatory law would be a distinct advantage in this role.  You may be a competition lawyer with up to 5 years' PQE doing too much transactional work and case management and would therefore appreciate a more diverse role undertaking a broader range of commercial work, whilst retaining your specialist skills.  Alternatively you may be commercial lawyer who wants to move into more specialist competition and regulatory law areas.

S&B’s competition and regulatory law practice is top tier ranked in the Legal 500.  It sits within the wider commercial team of 5 partners and 8 associates and we are looking to expand, both due to consistent growth of the team and the firm and to cover maternity absences.  The work is broad including core competition issues, wider EU law, Brexit and other regulatory areas for example in relation to life sciences and telecommunications.  The competition and regulatory team also handles a range of commercial contracts work.

We are not looking for lawyers with the full range of experience required for the role.  Training will be provided and your attitude and aptitude to learn will be paramount. If you want to work in a friendly and entrepreneurial environment for a high quality client base from FTSE 100 and international companies to owner managed businesses, please get in touch.

Key expertise in the majority of the following areas is essential:

• IT contracts of all types, including App and other software development, software licensing, software agreements, implementation projects, system supplies and SaaS arrangements

• Procurement agreements, including group buying and other framework arrangements

• Manufacturing and supply agreements

• Outsourcing agreements including FM, logistics, catering, large scale cleaning

• Distribution and agency agreements

• e-commerce, website terms

• standard business terms

• franchising agreements

Advisory work including:

• Advertising claims and copy clearance

• Commercial agency

• Consumer issues (Consumer Credit, Distance Selling etc.)

• Contract interpretation

• Data Protection

• Freedom of Information

• Limits on liability

Internal Communication – Teamwork is highly regarded and a collegiate environment is actively encouraged. A fee-earner’s role is always to ensure communication channels are open and to work in a cohesive manner with all team members, where appropriate.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Commercial:

• 3-5 years pqe

• Associate status

• City or rated regional/national practice background essential

• Experience of variety of commercial contracts and IT expertise across a number of different sectors preferable

• Demonstrable team approach to external and internal clients, where appropriate

• Confident, self-starter with a pro-active approach to work

• Experience in producing, amending and negotiating a range of agreements to a variety of business sectors

• Attendance at external and internal events. Writing articles and technical updates

Stevens & Bolton is one of the most profitable firms in the south of England, and provides excellent long term career opportunities for ambitious candidates who aspire to partnership. We aim to reward Associates with market leading salaries (outside London), and a comprehensive package of benefits.

Stevens & Bolton is one of the largest teams of lawyers in the South outside London. Independently recognised as one of the UK's leading national law firms we build deep relationships with our clients, whose satisfaction with our services is the true measure of our success.

Our single office approach ensures excellent communications and efficient co-ordination of our resources. We handle complex and strategic work for our clients, but appreciate the importance of value for money, commercial awareness and flexibility. International work is as important to us as our domestic practice and we regularly work with many carefully selected law firms around the world.

We want enjoyment to be a primary driver in the working day - and a key 'reason to be here' for our employees. It's a philosophy that comes from the top and cascades through the organisation. It is upheld through a combination of factors: delivering quality in everything we do; securing stimulating, challenging work that stretches and rewards; employing truly distinctive, diverse people who willingly engage, collaborate and support; committing to continuous development for everyone; and providing a sustaining environment in which people can learn and grow.