Corporate Solicitor / Associate – Southampton

About the role

We are a well‑established regional law firm looking for a Corporate Solicitor/Associate to join our high‑performing transactional team in Southampton. The role offers the chance to work on a variety of corporate transactions while benefiting from a collaborative, people‑centred culture that values work‑life balance and career development.

Key responsibilities

• Assist partners on higher‑value M&A and management buy‑in transactions.
• Take ownership of smaller corporate deals, from drafting to completion.
• Advise start‑ups, SMEs, owner‑managed businesses and PLCs on transactional matters.
• Develop exposure to employee ownership trusts and corporate governance issues.
• Collaborate with a second regional office as needed.

Required profile

• Qualified corporate solicitor with 3‑5 years post‑qualification experience (or comparable overall fit).
• Proven experience in M&A transactions and management buy‑ins.
• Willingness to develop expertise in employee ownership trusts.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and support partner‑led work.

Required skills

• M&A transactions
• Management buy‑ins
• Employee ownership trusts
• Corporate governance matters

What we offer

• Stable, supportive environment with clear progression pathways.
• Collaborative team culture focused on sustainable high‑quality work.
• Flexibility to work across multiple regional offices.
• Emphasis on professional development and work‑life balance.