Assistant Procurement Solicitor

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality legal advice, support and representation to the Council in relation to procurement, contracts and wider local government law matters, ensuring that the Council's activities are conducted lawfully, efficiently and in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

The postholder will undertake a varied caseload of procurement, contractual and governance-related matters, advising officers and members, drafting legal documentation, supporting decision-making processes and assisting in the delivery of a professional, customer-focused legal service.

The role requires the ability to demonstrate legal expertise, sound judgement, leadership by example, strong client care skills, and a solution-focused approach to complex legal issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional legal advice and assistance on procurement, contracts and local government law matters.
• Manage a personal caseload of procurement and contractual matters with appropriate supervision where required.
• Advise Council officers, senior managers and members on procurement legislation, contractual issues, governance and decision-making requirements.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of legal documentation including:
  • Contracts
  • Framework agreements
  • Procurement documentation
  • Call-off agreements
  • Funding agreements
  • Statutory notices and orders
  • Governance and decision-making documentation
• Provide legal support throughout procurement exercises and tendering processes.
• Advise on compliance with public procurement legislation, regulations and best practice.
• Support the preparation of reports, Cabinet decisions, delegated authority reports and governance documentation.
• Undertake legal research and provide clear, practical and commercially focused legal advice.
• Represent the Council where necessary at:
  • Courts
  • Tribunals
  • Mediations
  • Public Inquiries
  • Hearings
  • Meetings with external parties
• Liaise with client departments, external solicitors, counsel, contractors and other stakeholders.
• Identify legal risks and provide pragmatic solutions to support service delivery and corporate objectives.
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure compliance with Legal Services procedures.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and the continuous development of legal processes and templates.
• Keep up to date with developments in procurement law, contract law and local government legislation.
• Support colleagues and share legal knowledge within the wider Legal Services team. Deliver legal services in accordance with professional standards, Council policies and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with current practising rights.
• Experience providing legal advice on:
  • Public procurement matters
  • Commercial contracts
  • Local government law
  • Governance and decision-making processes
• Experience drafting and negotiating a variety of contractual and legal documents.
• Knowledge of public procurement legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Understanding of local government legal frameworks and statutory obligations.
• Strong legal research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent drafting skills with attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and work to competing deadlines.
• Ability to provide practical and commercially focused legal advice.
• Strong client relationship and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and make reasoned legal decisions.

Desirable

• Experience working within a Local Authority Legal Services environment.
• Experience advising on:
  • Procurement exercises
  • Contract management
  • Subsidy control
  • Governance matters
  • Administrative law
• Advocacy experience.
• Experience attending committees, member meetings or decision-making boards.
• Knowledge of local authority constitutional and governance arrangements. Experience working in a politically sensitive environment.

Additional Information

• Hours Per Week: 37 Hours
• Working Pattern: Hybrid Working or Fully Remote Considered
• Location: Hybrid or Remote Working Available
• Bi-Weekly Payments