Procurement & Contracts Lawyer

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority Job Purpose To assist the Specialist Lawyer – Commercial and Property in providing innovative, commercially focused and effective legal services that protect, support and advance the interests of the Council. The postholder will provide specialist legal advice and support on procurement, contracts, commercial matters and associated non-contentious legal work, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, governance requirements and best practice.

The role will support Members, Senior Officers, Directorates and Client Services by delivering high-quality legal advice and practical solutions to complex legal issues.

Key Responsibilities

Provide legal advice and assistance to the Council, Chief Officers, Senior Managers, Statutory Directors, Members and client departments. Manage a caseload of procurement, commercial and contract law matters. Advise on procurement exercises, tender processes and contract award procedures. Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, agreements and legal documentation.

Undertake conduct of non-contentious procurement, contract and company law matters. Provide legal support on ancillary commercial transactions and projects. Advise on compliance with procurement legislation, governance arrangements and regulatory requirements. Support Council departments in identifying and managing legal risks associated with commercial and procurement activities.

Represent the Council as Advocate where appropriate before Courts and tribunals. Attend Committees, Sub-Committees, Board meetings and other governance meetings as legal advisor. Prepare legal reports, opinions, briefings and recommendations for Members and Officers. Keep up to date with developments in procurement, commercial and local government law and advise stakeholders accordingly.

Support the development and delivery of Legal Services objectives and improvement initiatives. Assist with maintaining and supporting LEXCEL accreditation requirements. Ensure all legal work is conducted in accordance with professional standards, legislation and Council policies. Undertake statutory and delegated responsibilities as required.

Requirements

Essential Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with current practising certificate. Significant experience advising on: Public Procurement Commercial Contracts Contract Law Local Government Legal Matters Experience drafting and negotiating complex contracts and commercial agreements. Strong knowledge of procurement legislation and regulatory requirements.

Ability to provide clear, practical and commercially focused legal advice. Experience managing a varied legal caseload independently. Strong legal research, analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to build effective relationships with senior officers, elected members and stakeholders.

Experience preparing legal reports, opinions and governance documentation. Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities. Desirable Experience working within Local Government Legal Services. Advocacy experience. Experience advising Committees, Boards and Member meetings. Knowledge of company law and commercial transactions.

Experience contributing to LEXCEL accreditation and quality assurance processes. Knowledge of property-related commercial legal matters. Additional Information Location: Harlow (Minimum 3 Days Per Week On Site) Hours Per Week: 37 Hours Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments