Corporate & Commercial Solicitor

Job Description
Corporate & Commercial Solicitor
Salary: £55,000 - £75,000
Location: Southend-on-Sea Area | Hybrid Working
Seeking a Corporate & Commercial role where you'll have genuine autonomy, leadership opportunities, and the platform to build a thriving practice in a coastal town?
 
Our client is an award-winning, family-run law firm with an extensive network of legal professionals and a stellar reputation for delivering exceptional client service. With offices across Essex and over 20 years of trusted expertise, they're seeking an ambitious Corporate & Commercial Solicitor to join their Southend-on-Sea office and play a pivotal role in developing their Commercial department.
 
This is an outstanding opportunity to work on a varied caseload of high-quality corporate and commercial matters whilst shaping the strategic direction of a growing team. If you're passionate about business development, client relationships, and career progression, this could be the perfect move for you.
 
If you're a Corporate & Commercial Solicitor with 4+ years PQE seeking genuine autonomy, leadership opportunities, and the platform to make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.
What Makes This Role Special

• Leadership opportunity – lead or support the growth of a successful Commercial department with genuine autonomy
• Varied, high-quality caseload – M&As, corporate deals, shareholder agreements, management buy-ins/outs, restructuring, financing, and general commercial work
• Business development focus – establish new client relationships and grow the practice within the local market
• Direct access to senior leadership – work closely with partners and the Managing Director on strategic matters
• Genuine hybrid working – flexible arrangements that genuinely support work-life balance
• Clear career progression – partnership opportunities for ambitious, commercially minded solicitors
• Award-winning firm 

Our client is actively investing in the growth of their Commercial team and seeking someone who wants to be part of that journey, with the autonomy and support to make a tangible impact.
The Role in Detail
Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
Corporate & Commercial Matters:

• Advising on mergers and acquisitions (M&As) for SMEs and growing businesses
• Drafting and negotiating corporate deals, shareholder agreements, and joint ventures
• Managing management buy-ins, buy-outs, and corporate restructuring
• Advising on corporate finance, funding arrangements, and investment transactions
• Handling general commercial work including contract drafting, terms and conditions, and commercial agreements
• Providing pragmatic, commercially minded advice that protects clients whilst enabling business growth

Client Relationship Management:

• Building strong, trusted relationships with existing clients and referrers
• Establishing new client relationships within the local Essex market
• Acting as a trusted advisor to business clients across various sectors
• Understanding clients' commercial objectives and providing strategic legal advice

Business Development & Team Leadership:

• Leading or supporting the growth and development of the Commercial department
• Contributing to business development initiatives including networking, pitches, and client engagement
• Mentoring junior team members and supporting their professional development
• Contributing to monthly targets and KPIs whilst maintaining exceptional service standards
• Communicating the firm's expertise to attract new clients and grow the practice

What We're Looking For

Essential Requirements:

• 4+ years PQE as a qualified Solicitor with solid Corporate & Commercial experience
• Strong technical knowledge across M&As, corporate deals, shareholder agreements, management buy-ins/outs, restructuring, financing, and general commercial work
• Proven track record of managing complex corporate and commercial transactions from inception to completion
• Commercial acumen – ability to understand business clients' needs and provide pragmatic, business-focused advice
• Excellent communication skills – confident, clear, articulate, and approachable with clients and colleagues
• Client-focused approach – commitment to delivering exceptional service and building long-term relationships
• Business development experience or appetite – proactive approach to generating new business and growing client relationships
• Leadership potential – ability to lead or support the growth of a successful Commercial department
• Strong organisational skills – able to manage a varied caseload, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines
• Team player with a positive, flexible attitude and collaborative approach
• High ethical standards – committed to professionalism and integrity in all aspects of work
• Proficiency in MS Office and legal case management systems

Desirable (but not essential):
Experience in management and business development (training will be provided)
Experience mentoring or supervising junior solicitors
Comprehensive Benefits Package
What You'll Receive:

• £55,000 - £75,000 per annum (depending on experience and qualifications)
• Genuine flexible/hybrid working – real commitment to work-life balance
• Clear career progression pathway – partnership opportunities for ambitious, commercially minded solicitors
• Leadership opportunities – lead or support the growth of the Commercial department
• Professional training and CPD support – ongoing investment in your skills and expertise
• Medicash health cash plan – comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits
• Pension scheme – employer contributions to support your financial future
• Regular team social events – a culture that values connection and celebration
• Discounted parking 
• Office closure between Christmas and New Year – extended festive break every year
• Supportive team environment – work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative setting

 
Next Steps
If you're an ambitious Corporate & Commercial Solicitor ready to take the next step in your career with genuine leadership opportunities and clear progression, we'd love to hear from you.
 
For a confidential conversation about this opportunity, please get in touch:
 
Mara Watson
Legal Recruitment Consultant
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions
Email: m.-
Website: www.h-
 
All enquiries will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions operates with full transparency and ethical recruitment practices – we will always obtain your written consent before presenting your details to our client.

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