Commercial & IP Associate Solicitor – Exeter

Overview

In this role you will advise public sector clients on procurement and regulatory matters, supporting high-value public projects across multiple sectors. You will work within a specialist Public Sector team, collaborating with partners and senior lawyers to deliver strategic procurement solutions and contract advice. You will manage your own caseload with mentoring and develop strong client relationships across local authorities and public bodies. The position offers genuine autonomy, visibility on major projects, and clear opportunities for progression within a leading national practice.

Pay / Benefits

• on-site parking in Exeter
• excellent Exeter offices
• clear opportunities for professional development
• autonomy with strong partner support
• national presence and high-profile client base
• friendly, inclusive culture (diversity commitments)

Responsibilities

• Advise on procurement law and regulatory frameworks for public sector clients
• Support on major public projects across sectors
• Advise on public sector contracts, grant funding, subsidy control and local authority powers
• Assist with procurement challenges alongside disputes specialists
• Work closely with partners on high-value matters
• Manage own caseload with ongoing mentoring and support
• Build and maintain relationships with a diverse public sector client base

Key requirements

• 3-6 years’ PQE
• Experience advising public sector organisations or in-house experience in a public sector body
• Solid public procurement law experience (essential)
• Experience with public sector contracts and/or subsidy control (advantageous)
• Excellent drafting, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong commercial awareness and sound judgement
• Ability to manage client relationships and communicate at all levels

• Excellent drafting
• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Public procurement law
• Public sector contracts
• Subsidy control

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