Job description

Our commercial group advises on a broad range of complex commercial contracts, particularly IP, technology and data rich deals.  This includes advising on digital transformation, digital infrastructure, licensing and collaboration matters. Members of the team also advise on all aspects of compliance with data protection and privacy laws and cybersecurity. 

The group has a particular focus on the life sciences, communications and high-tech sectors, but also works with a range of clients across other sectors. Clients of the group include leading high-tech, pharmaceutical and other life sciences businesses, communications and digital platform operators. The group also advises financial institutions, software and IT hardware vendors, and global media groups.

We are consistently ranked as a market leader because of our all-round strength and depth, in particular our ability to deliver high-value, complex transactions and strategic advice.  Most of the work we do is international in scope and we frequently work with other parts of the Allen & Overy network.

We are a collegiate and close-knit team, with a good mix of standalone work and cross-disciplinary work with other teams in London and our international offices.

Role purpose
Our commercial practice is currently recruiting for an experienced commercial lawyer to join them. We are looking for an individual with experience in commercial contracts/non-contentious IP matters.  Experience of working with the technology, pharmaceutical and/or communications and digital sectors would be a differentiator, as in these sectors, the quality of work is second to none. Experience of data protection and/or e-commerce work would also be beneficial.

Key relationships

• Partners, Associates and the wider Corporate team
• PSLs
• Wider A&O community

Role and responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing and amending documentation
• Providing strategic advice
• Managing client expectations and project delivery appropriately
• Business development - development of personal plan, assistance with and implementation of business development campaign
• Legal research

Key requirements

• 3-5 PQE qualified lawyer with a solid knowledge and understanding of commercial contracts and experience of negotiating, drafting, and analysing commercial law contracts, such as service agreements, software licence agreements, supply, manufacturing and distribution agreements, technology licences, franchising, R&D agreements, collaboration agreements
• Strong technical knowledge across some (but not all) of the following areas:
  • non-contentious IP transactions and advice
  • M&A support (including due diligence, IP licensing, transitional services, separation and integration)
  • communications network transactions and advice
  • data protection and privacy advice
  • cybersecurity advice
  • outsourcing transactions (including in regulated sectors, such as financial services)

(Note: Associates will typically focus on a selection of the above and are not expected to cover all areas of the practice.)

• Outstanding academic credentials
• Intellectual curiosity and versatility

• Self -starter with the desire and ability continuously to acquire, develop and share knowledge
• Detail-focused and self-motivated approach
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Excellent client relationship skills
• Sound experience of operating at associate level within a complex international organisation
• Strong commercial/business acumen with the ability to deliver creative and pragmatic solutions and advice
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface at all levels and particularly to win the respect of the partner and fee-earner community, building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborative team player with the ability to develop and work in a fast paced, intellectually rigorous environment
• A person of sound judgment, able to establish a high level of credibility

Who we are looking for

• Confident self-starter with the desire and ability to continuously acquire, build upon and share knowledge
• Detail-focused and self-motivated approach
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Excellent client relationship skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface at all levels and particularly to win the respect of the partner and fee-earner community, building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborative team player with the ability to develop and work in a fast paced, intellectually rigorous environment
• A person of sound judgement, able to establish a high level of credibility
• Flexibility and a willingness to expand areas of practice for both the team and personally
• International outlook

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of Allen & Overy’s recruitment team who will work with you to provide any reasonable adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

At Allen & Overy, we recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services.

Allen & Overy recognises the value of flexible working and embraces hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do however remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together. If you would like additional flexibility we will of course consider this in line with business needs.

Additional information - External

Allen & Overy is a leading global law firm operating in over thirty countries. We work on some of the most challenging and important deals and have built a reputation for delivering exceptional legal solutions that help our clients grow, innovate and thrive. The legal industry is changing, and we're committed to leading that change, putting our people first, embracing new ways of thinking and integrating technology into our everyday work.

Our culture is one of high-performance and we have high expectations of one another, in everything we do. Being a proud team player is essential. We work together, listen and learn from one another and achieve results we could never achieve on our own. When you join our team, you’ll become part of a flexible, inclusive environment underpinned by openness and consistent support for one another. At A&O, you're not only valued for what you do, but for who you are.

We have a powerful commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and we’re working hard to create an environment where you can bring your authentic self to work. We know that to excel, we must nurture an environment where our people feel they belong.