Commercial IP Associate 3+PQE - Bristol - Salary up to £75k
The Opportunity
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Commercial IP Associate (3+ PQE) to join a growing and highly regarded commercial practice in Bristol.
This role offers exposure to a broad range of commercial, technology, and IP work, supporting clients from entrepreneurial start-ups to international organisations across sectors including technology, digital, AI, and data-driven businesses.
You’ll be responsible for managing your own matters while working closely with senior lawyers on complex projects, including drafting, negotiating, and reviewing commercial contracts, software and hardware agreements, SaaS arrangements, and IP licensing contracts. You will also have opportunities to work on digital transformation projects, AI development and licensing, and data protection/compliance matters.
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially-minded lawyer who wants to develop a well-rounded skillset across commercial, IP, tech, and data matters, and build a visible profile within a supportive, high-performing team.
You can expect:
- Ownership of your own client matters from day one
- Exposure to high-quality, cutting-edge commercial and tech projects
- Mentoring and structured support from senior colleagues
- Opportunities to develop specialist expertise in IP, technology, AI, and data matters
- A clear framework for career development and progression
The Team
You’ll join a nationally recognised Commercial IP practice that operates collaboratively across offices and sectors.
The team advises on a wide range of matters, including:
- Commercial contracts and agreements
- Technology and digital arrangements, including SaaS and IT projects
- Intellectual property protection, licensing, and exploitation
- Data protection and cybersecurity matters
- AI, digital content, and innovation-driven contracts
- Support on corporate transactions, particularly in the technology sector
The culture is supportive, collaborative, and quality-driven, offering the chance to work on high-value matters while learning from experienced colleagues.
Key Responsibilities
- Drafting, negotiating, and reviewing complex commercial, technology, and IP agreements
- Advising on licensing, SaaS, AI, data, and digital transformation projects
- Supporting senior lawyers on larger transactions and corporate matters
- Managing your own workload efficiently while collaborating across teams
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships
- Mentoring and supporting junior colleagues where appropriate
- Contributing to business development initiatives
The Candidate
You’ll be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 3+ years’ PQE, gained within a recognised commercial, technology or IP practice.
You will have:
- Solid experience in commercial contracts and technology/IP matters
- Exposure to media, SaaS and AI projects (desirable but not essential)
- Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills
- Commercial awareness and client-focused approach
- Confidence managing your own matters and engaging directly with clients
- Ambition to develop your skills and contribute to team growth
The Benefits
- Salary up to £75k
- 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: dominika.holda@williamjamesrecruitment.com
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.