Commercial Senior Associate / Legal Director

A great opportunity for a Commercial Solicitor to join a highly regarded law firm and play a genuine role in the continued growth of its Bristol commercial practice. This is an opportunity for someone who wants more than simply managing a caseload. The firm is looking for a commercially minded solicitor who wants to build relationships, develop their own profile and play a key role in growing the Bristol offering. You will join a well-established commercial team working with an impressive range of businesses, from ambitious SMEs and growing companies through to larger national organisations.The opportunityThe Bristol office is already well established, but there is a clear ambition to grow the commercial offering further. You will work alongside a highly regarded Partner and leading figure in the commercial market, whose practice covers a broad range of commercial matters including commercial contracts, technology, e-commerce, outsourcing, data protection, marketing and wider business agreements. The work is varied and genuinely commercial, with the team advising businesses across sectors including technology, manufacturing, retail, professional services and other growth-focused industries. You will have the opportunity to:Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial contracts.Advise businesses on legal risk and commercial strategy.Work directly with clients and develop long-term relationships.Support SMEs and larger organisations across a varied commercial caseload.Develop your own client base and profile within the Bristol market.Play an active role in growing the firm's commercial presence in Bristol.Work closely with colleagues across the wider firm to deliver a full-service offering.Why this role?What makes this particularly interesting is the opportunity to help build something. You won't simply be joining a large established department where your role is limited to servicing an existing caseload.The firm wants someone who is ambitious, personable and commercially aware, who can contribute to the growth of the Bristol practice while continuing to develop technically. You will have the support of an experienced commercial Partner with a strong reputation in the market, alongside the wider resources of a respected full-service firm. The ideal candidate will have a good grounding in commercial contracts and enjoy the breadth that comes with advising businesses rather than working within a narrow specialism. If you already have established client relationships or a following, that is attractive. Equally, the firm is interested in lawyers with the drive and personality to develop their own network and client base.The firmThis is a genuinely well-regarded firm with a strong presence across the South West and a broad full-service offering. Its commercial lawyers work closely with clients as trusted advisers, providing practical, commercially focused advice rather than simply delivering technical legal answers. For the right person, this is a chance to join a quality commercial team, work on varied and interesting matters, and have a genuine role in shaping the next stage of the Bristol practice. Bristol-based, with regular travel to the firm's Swindon office and occasional travel to other offices expected.