This is a unique opportunity for an experienced commercial solicitor looking to join a leading regional Legal 500 firm to build and ultimately lead the commercial team at Debenhams Ottaway.
About the role
Sitting within our successful, young and ambitious corporate and commercial team, this commercial role is supported by the wider commercial practice that includes employment, property and litigation. With partner led teams in each of the commercial areas, there is plenty of scope for working with lawyers of all levels. There is also a dedicated trainee solicitor in the corporate and commercial team who you will have the opportunity to train and delegate to.
Type of work
This is a dedicated commercial role (no corporate work other than corporate support on deals) so you will be involved in all aspects of commercial work across multiple sectors such as drafting, advising on and reviewing commercial contracts, including franchise agreements, supply terms, distribution, agency, e-commerce and software as a service agreements.
Business opportunities
St Albans has a thriving and prosperous business community, and many large businesses call Hertfordshire their home. We have an established network of professional advisers based locally and in London and introductions to our contacts there will be key in identifying new business opportunities to grow the commercial practice.
Our clients
We work with some impressive companies who instruct us on a wide range of high quality work. Our lawyers mainly help medium-sized owner-managed businesses but we also work with some large organisations including a national pharmaceutical company, a subsidiary of an international eyewear company and well known banks. Clients come from a mix of industries but over the years we have developed a sector focus in healthcare, charities and private wealth (entrepreneurs and family businesses).
The opportunity to build your own practice
This role is vital to our ability to offer new and existing business clients a complete service and deliver our growth plans. With full autonomy and support to grow the practice, access to an extensive client base and day to day collaboration with the commercial teams, you will have the opportunity to progress to partnership by building a dedicated commercial practice and team.
The essentials
- A minimum of 6 years PQE with a high level of commercial technical knowledge across different sectors.
- The ability to work with minimal supervision and a genuine enthusiasm to focus on commercial contracts work.
- Creative problem-solving ability, commercial insight working as an extension of the client’s business to provide commercial, practical advice with their business needs and objectives in mind.
- A client-centred focus, taking responsibility for service levels and proactively maximising and improving client relationships.
- A can-do, motivated and positive attitude.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
A little more about Debenhams Ottaway
Debenhams Ottaway is a progressive law firm with a long history and a reputation built on providing outstanding service and legal advice. Based in the heart of St Albans, we help businesses, individuals and families in Hertfordshire, London and across the UK.
We believe passionately in building long term relationships with our clients and people. Our teams of talented and ambitious people work together to help clients succeed. You’ll join an exciting and demanding work environment that offers support and guidance to help you achieve your best. Our career framework gives you the opportunity to learn and develop in a structured but flexible way.
If you have the energy and imagination to make a difference and share our values, then Debenhams Ottaway is the perfect fit for your next challenge.
To apply for the role please send your CV to the Debenhams Ottaway Recruitment Team – recruitment@debenhamsottaway.co.uk
Recruitment Agencies
We operate a preferred supplier list for all permanent, contract and temporary recruitment.
If you are interested in being part of our PSL, please email us and we will supply you with a copy of our terms.
We ask you not to send CVs or terms of business to or make contact with our staff, management or partners outside of HR, unless you have been authorised by our HR team to do so.
Any CVs sent contrary to this policy will will not be accepted as introductions in accordance with any terms of business that are sent to us and/or our terms. We reserve the right to make direct contact with the candidate without entering into your TOB. Agencies who are part of our PSL found bypassing this process may result in us terminating our working relationship with you.
All CVs need to be sent to Zahra Solomon at our recruitment email address – recruitment@debenhamsottaway.co.uk
