Senior Associate – Government and Public Sector

Overview

In this role you will lead as Legal Director within DWF’s Government and Public Sector practice, advising central, regional and local authorities on public law and commercial issues. You will oversee high-quality, technically precise advice on governance, vires/powers, and subsidy control, with potential involvement in grant funding and public procurement. You’ll line manage junior colleagues, nurture client relationships, and help expand the firm’s public sector footprint across key frameworks. The position offers hybrid working from regional offices and a clear path toward partnership for the right candidate.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible, hybrid working
• growth potential and pathway to Partnership
• inclusive, equal opportunities employer
• supportive team environment

Responsibilities

• Advise public sector bodies on public law and commercial issues, including governance and vires/powers for central and local government authorities
• Provide expertise on Subsidy Control and grant funding where possible
• Advise on public procurement to support client needs
• Deliver high-quality, technically precise, and commercially focused advice to clients
• Line manage and support junior team members
• Build and maintain strong internal and external relationships to sustain client work and generate new business networks

Key requirements

• Substantive experience advising central, devolved, and local government authorities on public law and commercial issues including governance and vires/powers
• Understanding of the inner workings of central, regional and local government bodies and politics/public policy delivery
• Commercially minded with excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Collaborative approach to building relationships with clients and colleagues

• Negotiation
• Stakeholder management
• Collaboration
• Public law advice for government authorities
• Governance and vires/powers
• Subsidy Control and grant funding experience

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