Managing Associate
2 days ago
Birmingham
Commercial IT & Data Managing Associate 6+PQE - Birmingham (Open to Manchester) - Salary up to £120k The Opportunity An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior or Managing Commercial Associate (6+ PQE) to join a nationally connected IT & Data practice, working on high-profile and cutting-edge commercial and technology matters. This role offers exposure to a variety of IT, technology, and data protection projects, including: • Advising on data protection compliance, AI, and emerging technologies, • Technology licensing and IT contract arrangements, • Supporting clients on complex commercial contracts with technical or digital elements, • Supervising and mentoring junior colleagues on drafting, compliance, and due diligence You will be trusted to lead matters from an early stage, contribute to business development initiatives, and help shape the growth of the team. This role offers the chance to build your own practice within a supportive, forward-looking environment and gain exposure to a diverse and high-profile client base, including mid-market corporates, technology businesses, government departments, sports bodies, higher education institutions, charities, and healthcare organisations. You can expect: • Ownership of high-value IT, data, and technology matters, • Exposure to national and cross-sector commercial projects, • Mentoring and supervision responsibilities, • Opportunities to lead business development and client engagement initiatives, • A clear framework for career progression and long-term growth The Team You will join a national IT, Data & Commercial team collaborating across multiple regional offices. The team advises on: • IT and technology contracts, including licensing, SaaS, and cloud arrangements, • Data protection compliance, privacy, and AI-related matters, • Commercial agreements with technical or digital elements, • Training and support for clients on IT, data, and regulatory issues The culture is supportive, collaborative, and innovative, encouraging team members to bring ideas forward, develop their own expertise, and contribute to the growth of the team. Key Responsibilities • Leading and managing high-value IT, technology, and data protection matters, • Drafting, negotiating, and reviewing commercial and technology agreements, • Providing pragmatic, commercial advice on emerging technology and data protection issues, • Supervising, supporting and mentoring junior associates, • Engaging in business development, client training, and marketing initiatives, • Supporting project delivery and managing client relationships across multiple sectors The Candidate You’ll be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 7+ years’ PQE, ideally gained within a large regional, national, or international firm. You will bring: • Strong technical knowledge of IT, data protection, and commercial law, • Experience leading complex technology and digital matters, • Commercial awareness and ability to provide practical, business-minded advice, • Excellent client relationship skills and confidence engaging with stakeholders at all levels, • Leadership experience and interest in mentoring junior colleagues, • Ability to contribute to business development and team growth This role is ideal for a senior lawyer ready to take ownership of complex IT and data projects, develop a visible profile, and progress into partnership. The Benefits • Salary up to £120k, • Comprehensive benefits package, • Generous bonus structure, • 25 days annual leave package plus bank holidays, • Company Pension, • Private Travel & Medical Insurance Apply in the strictest of confidence Dominika Holda, Recruitment Consultant (Commercial) Direct Dial: 0161 826 3140 Mobile: 07376 640 525 E-mail: WILLIAM JAMES RECRUITMENT William James Recruitment is the number one recruitment partner to law firms in the UK & internationally. We work with a variety of top-tier clients, including a range of legal 500 firms.