We are Eversheds Sutherland, a global law firm, with 5,000+ colleagues in more than 30 countries. We’re full service with deep niche and sector experience. Whatever challenge, wherever in the world, we’re equipped and ready to meet it. We live our values, we’re purposeful and purpose-led. So although the world is fast-moving and rapidly changing, we see it as a place where everyone can thrive. We’re ambitious for our clients, our communities – and for you. Whether you’re starting out on your career or well established, whether you’re a lawyer or in business services. If you’re looking for what’s next, we are too.

What to expect

As a lawyer, you enjoy a variety of work: regional to international and across practice groups. With us, you grow your global mindset. You’re encouraged to put ideas into action and there’s always something new and different to get involved in. We see the fast-moving world as a place where we can all thrive and succeed. We’re excited for what’s next, so with us, you can be too.

Our team

Our Commercial Practice Group works on headline making deals across our five workstreams - Strategic Contracts, Technology, Intellectual Property, Data Privacy and Retail Finance.

Below are some of our areas of particular strength in which you’ll have the opportunity to get involved:

• we have vast outsourcing experience including global facilities and property management experience and logistics. We have worked on some of the largest outsourcing deals in this area in the last few years with a real depth of expertise
• we regularly advise on some of the largest supply chain contracts particularly in the aerospace and automotives sectors for some of our blue chip automotive clients
• our market leading rail team advises on the biggest matters both here in the UK and increasingly across the globe
• we advise on the commercial aspects of significant regeneration and development

Role and key responsibilities

We are actively recruiting for an Associate to join our Commercial Group in Birmingham. Our Birmingham Commercial team focuses on strategic contracts. We cover a range of work from day-to-day matters for local and national clients to large outsourcings and multinational projects, working with our colleagues around the globe.

As part of this role you can expect to be involved in:

• working as part of a national team advising on a wide range of matters from high value, long term strategic arrangements to more day-to-day operational agreements and standard form contracts both for general commercial and technology clients
• working with a wide range of private and public sector businesses across a wide range of sectors such as TMT, transport, utilities and industrial engineering on a local, national and international level
• providing commercial support for transactions undertaken by our corporate and real estate teams
• developing close working relationships with colleagues in different teams and offices throughout the business both nationally and internationally
• participating in and contributing to structured business development activity, including assisting to write client briefings/articles.

Skills and experience

You must be able to demonstrate strong analytical skills and attention to detail and be able to communicate

effectively at different levels and with clients from a variety of different sectors and cultures. You must be able to build strong relationships and enjoy business development activities.

We are looking for applicants with 2-3 years PQE who have built a solid foundation in contract law. We expect you to be able to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of different types of contract as well as contract terms and also the key legal, commercial and operational issues across a range of contracts. We also expect you to have an understanding of what specialist support might be needed for a contract (e.g. TUPE, data protection).

We are looking for someone who:

• has the ability to deal with the competing demands of clients which arise from involvement in a number of separate transactions at once and have the ability to work flexibly to tight deadlines
• is able to demonstrate the delivery of excellent client care. Due to the nature of the work in this role, drive, enthusiasm and ability to work well as part of a team are vital
• possesses good technical and drafting skills and demonstrates a high level of attention to detail
• has strong research skills and is familiar with the use of precedents and external legal resources
• is able to build great relationships with colleagues you work with in other practice groups and ideally will have some experience of supporting junior colleagues
• has good networking skills and is able to demonstrate an ability to build client relationships and develop new relationships
• is commercially aware and willing to participate in group training and know how

What’s in it for you?

At Eversheds Sutherland, we provide benefits focused on looking after you: your development, your performance, your financial future and your health, as well as providing the opportunity to make a contribution to the world.

• we’re fair, transparent and equitable
• we reward alignment to our values, going above and beyond and your individual performance
• we support flexible ways of working through our remote working policy and commitment to flexible, agile and hybrid ways of working
• we support your health and performance through our dental, healthcare and wellness support
• we support everything you are and all you bring through our powerful commitment to diversity and inclusion
• we provide a platform for your career, whatever your ambitions through our structured professional and personal training, mentoring and development programs
• we provide experience and opportunity through international and cross-function exposure
• we provide an opportunity to give back through our pro bono work and community engagement
• we help you plan ahead through retirement planning, insurance and assurance

Diversity and inclusion

At Eversheds Sutherland, “Inclusive” is a core business value. We bring together different skillsets, global mindsets and approaches. We foster diversity of thought and the freedom to put ideas into action. We have an inherent respect for the individual. We have a strong belief in collaboration and teamwork. Sharing ideas, asking questions, solving challenges and meeting our clients’ goals: together.

We want all our people to thrive at work and reach their full potential and we work hard to continue to build a diverse and inclusive culture, monitor and report on our progress and impact, and develop our approach. This is reflected in our policies, systems and processes, and in our work with diversity membership organisations.

Many of our people work flexibly in some way and we are open to considering how we can accommodate flexible working arrangements alongside role requirements. If this is important to you, please talk to us about it during the recruitment process.

We want you to perform at your best during our recruitment process. If there is any adjustment or support you need, please
contact us so we can discuss how we can best assist you.

For you, for your success. And for what’s next.