Lawyer – Contracts

Overview

In this role you provide practical legal and commercial advice on a broad range of commercial and procurement matters. You work within Staffordshire Legal Services to support the Council’s objectives and its governance framework. You will lead negotiations, draft contracts, and manage complex matters with minimal supervision, contributing to high-quality, compliant outcomes. The position offers hybrid working and a focus on staff training, progression, and public service excellence. This is an opportunity to shape procurement practice within a supportive, values-driven council.

Pay / Benefits

• generous holiday entitlement
• flexi time
• annual leave purchase scheme
• local government pension scheme
• optional car lease scheme
• staff parking discount scheme

Responsibilities

• Provide legal and commercial advice on commercial and procurement matters
• Negotiate and lead client/project meetings; draft and advise on commercial contracts and related issues
• Advise on the Council’s Constitution and internal governance
• Build strong internal and external relationships with honesty and integrity
• Utilise critical thinking and work with minimal supervision
• Adhere to LEXCEL quality standards
• Record time spent and manage own caseload on the electronic case management system

Key requirements

• Qualified Solicitor with practice rights or Fellow of CILEX, or Barrister
• Proven commercial contracts experience in public sector or private practice
• Understanding of procurement and local government practices, governance, financial and procurement regulations
• Experience representing clients at high-level meetings and negotiating effectively
• Clear, engaging communication skills (verbal, digital, written)
• Strong critical thinking and ability to work with minimal supervision

• communication
• negotiation
• critical thinking
• commercial contracts
• procurement
• LEXCEL quality standards

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