Corporate Associate

We are recruiting an office-based Corporate Associate in Brighton. Reporting to senior partners and the team lead, you will manage a varied transactional caseload, provide commercially focused advice, and ensure matters progress efficiently in line with firm and regulatory requirements.

In a client-focused environment, you will handle client communications, draft and negotiate documents, support junior colleagues, and liaise with third parties to deliver successful outcomes.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of corporate matters including share and asset sales and purchases, mergers, reorganisations, joint ventures, corporate governance, and company secretarial work; take ownership of files from instruction to completion under the direction of partners.

• Draft, review and negotiate transaction documents such as sale and purchase agreements, share purchase agreements, shareholders’ agreements, subscription agreements, articles of association, loan agreements and ancillary documents; ensure accuracy, clarity and commercial practicality in all documentation.

• Provide practical, commercial legal advice to clients across a range of sectors, explaining legal implications clearly and proposing pragmatic solutions aligned to clients’ business objectives.

• Undertake legal and factual due diligence, prepare disclosure schedules, assist with vendor due diligence packs and highlight material issues to supervising solicitors; co‑ordinate responses to buyer/seller enquiries efficiently.

• Liaise with clients, banks, accountants, other law firms, regulatory bodies and advisers by telephone, email and in person to drive matters forward and maintain professional client relationships.

• Supervise, mentor and review the work of junior associates and paralegals on files; allocate tasks, provide constructive feedback and ensure work is completed to the firm’s standards.

• Support completion and post-completion processes including completion accounts, escrow arrangements, filings at Companies House, share transfers and update of statutory records; ensure deadlines and procedural requirements are met.

• Maintain accurate file records using the case management and document management systems; open and close files in line with firm procedures and keep comprehensive file notes and documentation.

• Support billing and business development activities by recording time and disbursements promptly and accurately, preparing fee estimates, assisting with fee notes and contributing to pitches, proposals and client care initiatives.

• Comply with professional and firm regulatory obligations including client identification, anti‑money laundering checks, confidentiality and data protection requirements; escalate compliance issues to line management when necessary.

Key skills and experience:

• Qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with 5 years+ post‑qualification experience in corporate law within a law firm or in‑house legal team, with experience of supporting and leading transactional matters.

• Proven experience drafting and negotiating a wide range of corporate and commercial documents and conducting due diligence on transactional matters.

• Strong commercial awareness, excellent legal judgement and the ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice to clients across different sectors.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a high attention to detail and accuracy when preparing client documentation and correspondence.

• Confident user of case management systems, electronic document management and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel); experience with document automation tools desirable.

• Well organised with the ability to prioritise competing demands, manage deadlines and supervise junior team members while maintaining a client‑focused approach.

• Good numeracy and an understanding of commercial and financial aspects of transactions, including basic knowledge of tax or accounting considerations relevant to corporate deals.

• Awareness of confidentiality, data protection, regulatory and anti‑money laundering requirements relevant to corporate practice and the competency to follow firm compliance procedures.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships internally and externally and to work collaboratively within a team.