Contracts and LGR Lawyer

9 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To provide high quality, timely and effective legal advice, representation and assistance to the County Council in relation to contracts, procurement and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) matters, ensuring the Council discharges its functions lawfully and effectively.

The postholder will manage a substantial and complex caseload with minimal supervision, provide expert legal leadership within their specialist area, supervise junior staff, and contribute to the strategic development and management of Legal Services.

The role will also support the Monitoring Officer in fulfilling statutory duties, including advising on matters of illegality or procedural default.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a full, varied and demanding caseload in contracts, procurement and LGR\-related matters.
  




• Provide clear, pragmatic and solution\-focused legal advice to Members, officers and committees.
  




• Draft, negotiate and settle complex commercial contracts and agreements.
  




• Undertake and/or manage advocacy where required.
  




• Identify legal risks and propose mitigation strategies.
  




• Support the Monitoring Officer in identifying and reporting potential illegality or procedural failures.

• Identify emerging legal issues, trends and opportunities impacting the Council.
  




• Lead development of policy within the specialist area.
  




• Contribute to strategic and operational planning across Legal Services.
  




• Support organisational change programmes, including Local Government Reorganisation.
  




• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and legal support staff.

• Assist in managing a group of lawyers in identified work areas.
  




• Provide leadership, direction and expert legal guidance.
  




• Use a coaching approach to develop individuals and build team capability.
  




• Contribute to the wider management of Legal Services and model Council values and behaviours.

• Liaise at senior levels internally and externally to establish service requirements and priorities.
  




• Represent Legal Services in internal and external initiatives and major projects.
  




• Deliver training to Council staff to ensure awareness of legal developments and emerging risks.
  




• Drive continuous improvement and embed innovative ways of working.

• Contribute to budget planning within the service area.
  




• Manage allocated resources effectively and ensure delivery within budget.
  




• Monitor and control expenditure relating to external legal advice and representation.
  




• Support the Council’s objective to reduce reliance on external providers.

• Develop and implement operational plans.
  




• Contribute to longer\-term strategic planning aligned to Council objectives.
  




• Lead major projects, reviews and cross\-functional initiatives
  

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practise in England and Wales.
  




• Hold (or be eligible to obtain) a current practising certificate.
  




• Substantial post\-qualification experience in contracts, procurement and/or local government law.
  




• Experience of supervising and developing legal staff.
  




• Experience of managing complex and high\-value matters.
  




• Experience of or aptitude for advocacy.
  

• Bi\-Weekly Payments