Commercial Solicitor
| Posting date: | 18 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 17 June 2026 |
| Location: | Sunderland, Tyne & Wear |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Gillespie Recruitment ltd |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Are you an experienced Commercial Solicitor looking to take the next step in your career?
Do you want the opportunity to shape and grow a commercial offering within a progressive and ambitious law firm?
Looking for a role where your expertise will truly make an impact, rather than being lost in a large corporate structure?
Gillespie Recruitment are delighted to be working with a growing and forward-thinking legal firm to recruit a Commercial Solicitor for their Sunderland office.
This is an exciting opportunity for a driven and commercially minded solicitor to play a key role in expanding a developing department. You’ll work closely with a strong client base of SMEs, investors, and owner-managed businesses, delivering practical, high-quality legal advice.
With a strong presence across the North of England and a reputation for client-focused service, this role offers the chance to join a firm where your voice is heard, your work is valued, and your career can genuinely progress.
The Role
As a Commercial Solicitor, you will handle a varied caseload of commercial matters while supporting the growth and development of the firm’s commercial offering.
You will work on a wide range of business and property-related legal matters, building strong client relationships and delivering clear, commercially sound advice.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Legal Work
Manage a diverse caseload of commercial matters
Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts
Provide strategic legal advice to businesses and investors
Support clients with business operations and transactions
Client Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients
Deliver a high standard of client care and communication
Act as a trusted advisor to SMEs and owner-managed businesses
Department Growth
Contribute to the development of the commercial department
Identify opportunities for new business and client growth
Support the firm’s expansion within the local market
Collaboration
Work closely with colleagues across property and other legal disciplines
Contribute to a collaborative and supportive team environment
About You
Essential Skills & Experience
Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
4+ years PQE
Strong experience in commercial and/or corporate law
Excellent understanding of commercial contracts and business operations
Experience working with SMEs or owner-managed businesses
Strong organisational and communication skills
Ability to work independently while contributing to a team
Personal Attributes
Commercially minded with a proactive approach
Confident in building and managing client relationships
Driven, motivated, and career-focused
Professional with a strong attention to detail
Passionate about delivering high-quality legal services
Desirable Experience
Exposure to commercial property or property investment matters
Experience supporting growing or entrepreneurial businesses
Business development experience or an existing network in the North East
A following or referrable client base (advantageous, not essential)
What’s on Offer
Competitive salary (DOE)
Opportunity to shape and grow a commercial department
Supportive and collaborative working environment
Strong pipeline of high-quality work and clients
Career progression opportunities as the firm expands
High level of client exposure and responsibility
Why Apply?
This is a unique opportunity to join an ambitious and growing legal practice where you can take on meaningful responsibility and directly influence the direction of a developing commercial function.
If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real impact, build strong client relationships, and progress your career within a supportive environment - this could be the perfect move.
Do you want the opportunity to shape and grow a commercial offering within a progressive and ambitious law firm?
Looking for a role where your expertise will truly make an impact, rather than being lost in a large corporate structure?
Gillespie Recruitment are delighted to be working with a growing and forward-thinking legal firm to recruit a Commercial Solicitor for their Sunderland office.
This is an exciting opportunity for a driven and commercially minded solicitor to play a key role in expanding a developing department. You’ll work closely with a strong client base of SMEs, investors, and owner-managed businesses, delivering practical, high-quality legal advice.
With a strong presence across the North of England and a reputation for client-focused service, this role offers the chance to join a firm where your voice is heard, your work is valued, and your career can genuinely progress.
The Role
As a Commercial Solicitor, you will handle a varied caseload of commercial matters while supporting the growth and development of the firm’s commercial offering.
You will work on a wide range of business and property-related legal matters, building strong client relationships and delivering clear, commercially sound advice.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Legal Work
Manage a diverse caseload of commercial matters
Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts
Provide strategic legal advice to businesses and investors
Support clients with business operations and transactions
Client Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients
Deliver a high standard of client care and communication
Act as a trusted advisor to SMEs and owner-managed businesses
Department Growth
Contribute to the development of the commercial department
Identify opportunities for new business and client growth
Support the firm’s expansion within the local market
Collaboration
Work closely with colleagues across property and other legal disciplines
Contribute to a collaborative and supportive team environment
About You
Essential Skills & Experience
Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
4+ years PQE
Strong experience in commercial and/or corporate law
Excellent understanding of commercial contracts and business operations
Experience working with SMEs or owner-managed businesses
Strong organisational and communication skills
Ability to work independently while contributing to a team
Personal Attributes
Commercially minded with a proactive approach
Confident in building and managing client relationships
Driven, motivated, and career-focused
Professional with a strong attention to detail
Passionate about delivering high-quality legal services
Desirable Experience
Exposure to commercial property or property investment matters
Experience supporting growing or entrepreneurial businesses
Business development experience or an existing network in the North East
A following or referrable client base (advantageous, not essential)
What’s on Offer
Competitive salary (DOE)
Opportunity to shape and grow a commercial department
Supportive and collaborative working environment
Strong pipeline of high-quality work and clients
Career progression opportunities as the firm expands
High level of client exposure and responsibility
Why Apply?
This is a unique opportunity to join an ambitious and growing legal practice where you can take on meaningful responsibility and directly influence the direction of a developing commercial function.
If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real impact, build strong client relationships, and progress your career within a supportive environment - this could be the perfect move.