52 Best corporate lawyer Jobs in Southampton (May 2026)

Corporate Solicitor/Associate

13 days ago

Southampton

Your new firm A well-established and highly regarded regional law firm is seeking a Corporate Associate to join its growing Corporate team. Known for delivering city-quality legal advice, the firm has built a strong reputation across the South for its commercially focused, partner-led approach and long-standing client relationships. With a collaborative and people-centred culture, the firm places genuine emphasis on work-life balance, thoughtful career development and creating an environment where lawyers can do high-quality work sustainably. The firm operates across multiple offices in the region and is committed to supporting flexibility, progression and long-term careers. Your new role This is an excellent opportunity for a Corporate Associate to join a high-performing transactional Corporate team, with a primary base in Southampton and collaboration across a second regional office. The role sits firmly on the transactional side of the Corporate team and will involve working closely with partners on higher-value matters, while also taking ownership of smaller transactions independently as your experience develops. You will advise a broad and varied client base, including start-ups, SMEs, owner-managed businesses and PLCs, on a wide range of transactional corporate matters. The work will include M&A transactions, management buy-ins and increasing exposure to Employee Ownership Trusts, with the opportunity to develop experience across the full life cycle of corporate transactions. While the focus is transactional, you will be part of a wider Corporate team that also advises on governance matters, offering exposure to a well-rounded corporate practice. The role offers stability, support and clear scope for progression. You will work closely with an experienced group of partners and senior lawyers who are invested in developing associates and creating realistic, achievable career pathways. What you'll need to succeed You will be a qualified Corporate Solicitor with experience in transactional corporate work, ideally with around three to five years' post-qualification experience, though applications are welcomed from individuals with slightly less or more experience where there is a strong overall fit. Experience of M&A transactions and management buy-ins is essential, while exposure to Employee Ownership Trusts or employee share options would be advantageous but is not required. You will be confident supporting on partner-led matters, comfortable managing competing deadlines, and keen to take on responsibility as your role develops. Strong communication skills, a commercial mindset and the ability to build trusted relationships with clients and colleagues will be key. The team values lawyers who are collaborative, thoughtful and aligned with a balanced and sustainable approach to corporate law. What you'll get in return You will join a supportive and well-structured Corporate team within a firm that genuinely prioritises work-life balance and capacity planning. The firm operates a hybrid working model, with an expectation of three days per week in the office and flexibility around which additional day best suits your schedule. Core office days provide valuable collaboration and mentoring while still allowing autonomy and flexibility.In return, you can expect high-quality transactional work, close partner access, realistic expectations and a culture that actively manages workloads rather than reacting to them. The firm offers strong development opportunities, clear progression routes and a collegiate environment where associates are trusted, supported and encouraged to grow their practice over time. A competitive overall package reflects the firm's commitment to attracting and retaining talented corporate lawyers. What you need to do now If you are interested in this opportunity or would like to discuss it in confidence, please get in touch for an informal conversation. We would expect a lawyer with the stated PQE to have developed the appropriate level of experience; however, applications from individuals with higher or lower PQE who feel ready for this step are warmly welcomed. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found on our website.

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