Commercial Lawyer

Commercial Contracts Lawyer (3+ PQE) - National Law Firm

💼 Permanent Role | £59,000 - £70,000 DOE

📍 Southampton | Hybrid & Office-Based Working Available

Rec Quest is delighted to be partnering with one of the UK's most respected national law firms to appoint a talented Commercial Contracts Lawyer (3+ PQE) to join their high-performing Commercial team.

This is a standout opportunity to join a nationally recognised practice known for its scale, sector expertise and involvement in some of the most high-profile commercial and regulatory projects in the UK and internationally.

You’ll be joining a large, collaborative national commercial group covering commercial contracts, digital, IP, energy & renewables, and projects & procurement. The team advises an impressive client base including FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies, public sector bodies, universities, and major industry organisations.

Sector focus includes advanced manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace & defence, energy transition, transport & logistics, and international trade. The team works closely across UK offices and internationally through established global partner networks, supporting complex cross-border matters and multi-jurisdictional projects.

You’ll advise on a broad range of commercial arrangements that underpin both strategic projects and day-to-day business operations, including:

• Contract strategy, drafting and negotiation
• Supply chain management and procurement
• Product development and routes to market
• Research and development collaborations
• Energy transition and decarbonisation initiatives
• Operational improvement and productivity projects
• Commercial risk management and governance
• Data protection matters, supported by specialist teams

You’ll work closely with in‑house legal teams and, where clients do not have internal legal support, provide a highly valued “in‑house style” advisory service. The role also offers exposure to international work, supporting UK businesses expanding into overseas markets such as the USA and Saudi Arabia, with potential opportunities for international secondments.

• UK‑qualified Solicitor with 3+ years' PQE
• Strong experience in commercial contracts from a City firm, large regional practice or in‑house environment
• Solid grounding in contract law and complex commercial advisory work
• Experience across supply chain, procurement, outsourcing, R&D or goods and services contracts
• Ability to deliver clear, practical advice to non‑legal stakeholders
• Strong drafting, communication and relationship‑building skills
• A genuinely commercial mindset and client‑focused approach
• Experience in areas such as import/export, technology, IP or data protection would be beneficial but is not essential.

• 💰 Salary between £59,000 and £70,000 depending on experience
• 🏡 Hybrid working with a Southampton office base
• 📈 High‑quality, business‑critical work with major UK and international clients
• 🌍 Exposure to international and cross‑border projects
• 🤝 Supportive, collaborative team culture
• 🚀 Clear progression pathways within a nationally recognised practice

If you’re a commercially minded lawyer looking to take the next step in a forward‑thinking, high‑calibre legal team, Rec Quest would love to hear from you.

📩 Apply now to find out more