Senior Commercial Contracts Lawyer

The department

HFW’s London Corporate & Commercial team advises clients across a broad range of corporate, commercial and transactional matters. We work with multinational corporations, private and institutional investors, state-owned entities and major industry participants across our core sectors, including energy, logistics, shipping, infrastructure and real estate. Our practice spans mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, projects, real estate transactions, corporate governance, strategic partnerships and employment-related matters.

The role

We are looking for an individual with strong Commercial Law experience to join our practice. The role delivers elite, niche counsel to pure logistics companies, transport providers, and market leading supply chain operators. This is a pure commercial contracting and advisory role, designed for an agile lawyer who thrives on handling highly technical, non-standard arrangements. The successful candidate will manage everything from foundational bills of lading and terms and conditions to bespoke, unusual mandates like ferry concession agreements. Additionally, they will support cross-departmental strategic growth, such as drafting critical development agreements required to sit alongside major M&A transactions. The ideal candidate is likely to be a Senior Associate or Legal Director, who possesses the drive and ambition to secure promotion to partnership within the next three years.

Key responsibilities

• Commercial – Provide high-quality legal advice and representation to clients on a variety of commercial contracts, often, although by no means exclusively, in the energy, commodities, shipping, logistics and ports & terminals sectors – buyers and providers of transport, warehousing and logistics services governing the provision of those services; advising buyers and providers of ports & terminals and stevedoring services on commercial contracts governing the provision of those services.
• M&A – Provide high-quality legal advice on acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures often, although by no means exclusively, in the energy, shipping, logistics and ports & terminals sectors – reviewing, drafting and commenting on transaction documents – share purchase agreements, shareholder agreements, operational joint ventures, disclosure letters etc; due diligence.
• Projects – Advising on international, high-value infrastructure projects often in the energy and ports & terminals sectors for both government and private sector interests; reviewing, drafting and commenting on key transaction documents.
• Manage complex and multi-jurisdictional cases and projects, involving coordination with other HFW offices and external counsel.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential clients and identify and pursue new business opportunities.
• Develop and lead on contract training, internally and externally to the firm.
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and trainees, providing feedback and guidance on their work.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with other teams and practice groups within HFW, supporting cross-selling initiatives.

Key skills and experience required

• Qualified lawyer in England & Wales.
• At least eight years of post-qualification experience in commercial contracts law, preferably in a leading law firm.
• Specific expertise in logistics is highly desirable.
• Desire to learn and research, to provide the best possible advice in complex cases.
• Have a passion for training and coaching junior team members.
• Strong analytical, drafting, and communication skills, and ability to deliver clear and practical advice.
• Proven track record of managing complex and multi-jurisdictional cases and projects, and meeting deadlines and budgets.
• Business development and client relationship skills, and ability to generate new work and cross-sell.
• Be a team player, with leadership potential and ambition to progress to partnership.
• Have a sector-focused approach, and interest and experience in working with clients in the maritime, commodities, aviation and insurance sectors, or other relevant sectors.

Additional information

This job description is not contractual. It will be reviewed periodically and may be amended or altered to meet the needs of the firm.

HFW aims to ensure equality of opportunity and we are actively working towards improving the diversity of our staff. All applications will be considered only on merit and the applicant’s suitability to meet the requirements of the role.

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