Lawyer – Contracts and Procurement

To deliver good quality legal advice to client departments, ensuring they are aware of, and comply with, statutory requirements and the Council’s activities are conducted in a lawful and transparent manner

• Support senior lawyers with the drafting and provision of advise on reports for the Cabinet, Cabinet Members, Council Committees and Sub-Committees and to attend Committees and other meetings as may be required, which may include meeting out of normal office hours, ensuring that all procedural and standing order requirements are complied with.
• Work collaboratively with other teams and support the training and development of colleagues and clients
• Negotiating and drafting agreements of all types (including agreements for services, funding agreements, grant agreements, variation, novation, and concessions)
• Respond to queries and calls promptly and professionally, using effective communication and engagement.
• Ensure complete and proper digital and physical records are maintained as appropriate relating to all work undertaken including time records using the service’s case management and time recording system.
• Support and contribute to the effective delivery of the council’s objectives and priorities.
• Provide legal advice and services as requested to the Council, its Members and it’s client departments commensurate with experience to ensure that the implications of local government law are complied with and understood, including adequately representing the Council in courts and tribunals.

• Experience in preparing contract documentation
• Experience in advising on governance and compliance requirements, including in relation to the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules and Public Procurement legislation
• Experience in providing relevant legal advice on competitive processes and/or mitigating procurement risk
• Previous local or housing association experience
• Qualified CILEX, Solicitor or Barrister, licensed to practice
• Good negotiating and influencing skills.