6 Month Contract With A local Authority

To lead and undertake complex contract and commercial legal work for the Council, and to deputise for the Principal Lawyer – Place as required. The postholder will provide high-level legal advice and assistance on major Council projects, including joint commissioning initiatives, public-private partnerships, and complex procurement and tendering arrangements. The role includes managing staff, advising Members and senior officers, and supporting the strategic development of Legal Services.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Ensure that legal advice and assistance are provided efficiently, effectively, and expeditiously by the Contracts Team.
  

• Manage, coordinate, and supervise staff within the team, providing professional guidance, support, and direction.
  

• Undertake performance appraisal reviews and ensure appropriate training and development for staff under supervision.
  

• Deputise for the Principal Lawyer – Place as required.
  

• Undertake a personal caseload of complex and high-value contract and commercial legal matters, particularly in major work areas allocated.
  

• Draft, negotiate, and advise on complex and bespoke contracts, agreements, protocols, and other legal documentation.
  

• Provide specialist advice on contract law, procurement law, tender documentation, and public-private partnership arrangements.
  

• Support joint commissioning initiatives with Health Authorities, other local authorities, and external partners.
  

• Advise on service level agreements and assist the Principal Lawyer with client liaison and negotiations.
  

• Act as legal adviser to Members and Officers, including senior officers and the Chief Executive, on matters arising from Committees attended.
  

• Attend Committees as directed, providing legal and procedural advice.
  

• Draft and scrutinise Committee reports, identifying legal implications and contributing as appropriate.
  

• Deal with Ombudsman cases and related matters.
  

• Contribute to the formulation of policy proposals for presentation to Committees.
  

• Introduce and implement new procedures arising from legislative change or service improvement initiatives, in consultation with relevant departments.
  

• Keep abreast of current legislation, case law, and professional requirements and disseminate relevant information within the team.
  

• Design and deliver training courses and seminars for Members, Officers, and colleagues as required.
  

• Promote the image of Legal Services and support the marketing of the service internally and externally.
  

• Cooperate with and assist external reviews, inspections, and audits, including those by the Audit Commission or other regulators.
  

• Work flexibly as part of the Contracts Team and provide support to other lawyers across Legal Services as required.
  

• Undertake other legal work or duties as reasonably required by the Principal Lawyer, Head of Legal Services, or Director of Law and Corporate Governance, including work in other legal disciplines appropriate to the grade.
  

• Carry out duties in accordance with:
  

  • The Council’s Equal Opportunities policies
    

  • Health and Safety requirements
    

  • The Council’s Core Values and Legal Services objectives
    

  • Professional accountability requirements
    

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEx (or equivalent), or demonstrable equivalent professional competence.
  

• Substantial post-qualification experience in contract and commercial law, ideally within a local authority or public sector environment.
  

• Proven experience managing a complex and varied legal caseload at a senior level.
  

• Experience drafting, negotiating, and advising on complex and bespoke contracts, including public sector procurement and commercial agreements.
  

• Experience of supervising and managing staff, including performance management and development.
  

• Experience advising senior officers and Members and attending or supporting Committees.
  

• Advanced knowledge of contract and procurement law and its application within local government.
  

• Strong understanding of local authority governance, decision-making, and public law context.
  

• Knowledge of court, tribunal, and inquiry procedures relevant to the role.
  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, practical legal advice.
  

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills for complex and unusual legal documentation.
  

• Ability to prioritise effectively and manage competing deadlines.
  

• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and work independently on complex matters.
  

• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
  

• Commitment to high standards of customer care and service excellence.
  

• Ability to work collaboratively with senior stakeholders, partners, and external bodies.
  

• Resilient and able to perform effectively under pressure.
  

• Flexible approach to service delivery, including occasional work outside normal hours.
  

• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  

• 35 Working Hours Per Week
  
• Bi-Weekly payments