Senior Lawyer & Team Leader - Contracts & Conveyancing

Oxford OX1 (Hybrid - 1-2 days in office)
Contract: 2 months | Rate: £50-£60 per hour (umbrella)
Start: ASAP | *Must hold current practising certificate

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and confident Senior Lawyer & Team Leader to join a local authority legal team. You’ll lead a small team of legal professionals (approx. 6) and provide specialist legal advice in contracts and procurement law, supporting the Council’s priorities and complex projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of lawyers, paralegals, and legal assistants.

• Act as the Council’s senior legal adviser on contracts and procurement law.

• Oversee complex caseloads with minimal supervision.

• Support directorates with risk-based legal advice and governance support.

• Develop staff and promote a strong performance and wellbeing culture.

• Contribute to continuous improvement across legal services.

• Attend court or tribunals when necessary.

Essential Criteria

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEX Lawyer with a current practising certificate.

• Extensive experience in local government legal work.

• Strong expertise in contracts and procurement law.

• Proven leadership and team management skills.

• Excellent communication, drafting, and negotiation skills.

• Ability to work under pressure, independently and as part of a team.

• Competence in MS Office and legal case management systems.

• Able to attend the office in Oxford 1-2 days per week.

Desirable

• Experience in construction contracts and conveyancing.

• Familiarity with governance and public sector procedures.

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a strategic role in a high-performing legal team. If you are committed, collaborative, and solution-focused, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please send your CV.