Digital, Data, IP and Technology Associate / Senior Associate (4 PQE+)

We are currently recruiting for a Digital, Data, IP and Technology Associate or Senior Associate to join our Corporate department in London.

Department purpose

Our Digital, Data, IP and Technology (DDIT) group advises on a broad range of complex commercial contracts, particularly IP, technology and data rich deals.  This includes advising on digital infrastructure, digital transformation, licensing and collaboration matters, whether as a stand-alone commercial transaction, or where we are advising (alongside other AOS teams) on the commercial aspects of a larger M&A deal or financing.. The broader DDIT group also advises on compliance with data protection and privacy laws and cybersecurity.

The group has a particular focus on the communications, life sciences, 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 A&O Shearman 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 Digital, Data, IP and Technology group is currently recruiting for an experienced commercial lawyer to join them. We are looking for an individual with strong experience in commercial contracts, to have a particular focus (although not necessarily be fully dedicated to) our transactions in the telecoms and digital infrastructure sectors.  

The role will involve advising on the commercial arrangements underpinning digital infrastructure transactions (e.g. deals relating to data centres, mobile towers, fibre, broader communications network carve outs), in particular carve outs or divestments from existing businesses, acting both for seller operators, but also investors and lenders.  The team also advises telecom operator businesses on their most complex and critical commercial arrangements, such as network sharing with other operators, or other critical agreements such as IT platform outsourcing.   

Role and responsibilities
Providing strategic advice to clients (including on market practice), and generally guiding clients through complex transactions
Drafting, reviewing and amending complex legal agreements, often involving bespoke concepts or new market developments
Negotiation with counterparties
Managing client expectations and project delivery appropriately
Business development – development of personal plan, assistance with and implementation of business development campaign, staying across sector developments, attending conferences
Key requirements
Minimum 4/5 PQE qualified lawyer, more senior lawyers also encouraged
Experience of the telecom or digital infrastructure sectors as described above, and familiarity with related concepts and industry terms and clients, is a key differentiator
Also beneficial is broader experience of advising on commercial and separation aspects of carve out transactions where external investors are acquiring the carved out asset/vehicle
Strong performer at a large law firm, with core skills across the board that come with that (commercial approach, ability to simplify complex concepts for clients, ability to establish credibility with clients and counterparties)
In particular, a track record of being a lead associate and “owning” one or more complex agreements at prior firm(s)
Collaborative team player with the ability to develop and work in a fast paced, intellectually rigorous environment

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 our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any 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.

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.

We recognise 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.