Contracts Specialist

Description:

Role: Associate Partner Contract Specialist

About the Role:

The firm is seeking an Associate Partner with deep expertise in commercial and technology contracting across sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and services. The ideal candidate will independently lead domestic and cross-border high-value transactions, particularly technology-driven commercial contracts and master services arrangements (MSAs). This role is part of a fast-growing commercial/tech practice and requires someone with strong drafting, negotiation, and client advisory capability.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Drafting & Negotiation:

- Draft, review, and negotiate complex and high-value commercial contracts.

- Strong command over MSAs, SOWs, SaaS agreements, licensing agreements, cloud & hosting agreements, and technology-driven service contracts.

2. Technology & Commercial Transactions:

- Lead sophisticated technology contracting matters involving software, cloud, data governance, digital transformation, and IP-heavy commercial structures.

3. Cross-Border Contracting:

Handle end-to-end international contract negotiations, including:

- Governing law

- Liability frameworks

- Service levels (SLAs)

- Compliance and jurisdictional issues

4. Commercial Advisory:

- Advise clients on structuring large commercial relationships.

- Provide guidance on pricing models, delivery frameworks, operational structuring, and strategic risk allocation.

5. Process & Contract Optimization:

- Build and refine internal contracting playbooks, templates, and negotiation frameworks.

- Streamline processes to enhance efficiency, risk control, and consistency.

6. Stakeholder Collaboration:

- Work closely with legal, procurement, technology, business, and leadership teams.

- Ensure contract terms align with delivery capabilities, commercial objectives, and operational requirements.

Ideal Candidate Profile: 8-12 years PQE, exclusively from a law firm background (no in-house profiles will be considered).

Demonstrated expertise in:

- Commercial contracting

- Technology agreements

- Cross-border contract negotiation

- Strong drafting skills and ability to manage large and sophisticated contract portfolios.

- Experience advising international clients and engaging with global stakeholders.

- Excellent negotiation skills and client-handling capability.

- Ability to work independently under strict timelines.

- Commercial, solution-oriented mindset with strong communication and structuring abilities.