Salary range: £45,091 - £49,282 per annum
Employer Pension contribution: £9,829 - £10,743
Total (Salary + Pension): £54,921 - £60,025
Relocation packages available for exceptional candidates who meet the relocation criteria
As a full-time permanent employee, you’ll also enjoy 26 days of annual leave plus public and bank holidays, with your entitlement increasing to 31 days after five years’ continuous service. Additional leave purchase options and flexible working arrangements are also available.
Join Devon County Council’s Legal Services Team and play an important role in shaping how we deliver contracts and procurements across the organisation. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced legal professional to provide strategic advice and hands-on support in a dynamic public sector environment.
About the Role
The Lawyer Job Description contains generic information, not all of which will be applicable to this role. As a Lawyer specialising in contracts, you will provide expert legal advice and assistance to the Council and its directorates. You will draft and advise on a wide range of interesting and novel contractual arrangements and support strategic projects that deliver value for money and robust governance for the people of Devon. You will join two Procurement Specialists and the Assistant Director of Legal Services who will provide guidance and mentoring in supporting your professional development. Your responsibilities will include:
1. Draft, review, and negotiate contracts including service agreements, grants, academy conversions, and collaboration agreements.,.
2. Procurement experience is desirable but not essential. Over time, and with supervision, your main responsibilities will broaden to include advising on public procurement law and providing support and management throughout various procurement processes. Support major projects and commissioning arrangements, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
3. Provide training and guidance to officers on contract and procurement best practice.
4. Represent the Council in negotiations and liaise with external stakeholders, suppliers, and legal advisors.
5. Contribute to policy development and continuous improvement in contracting and commissioning.
About You
You are a commercially minded lawyer with a keen interest in working for the public sector and delivering improvements and real value for the people of Devon. You pair rigorous legal analysis with practical, solutions‑focused judgement, advising senior stakeholders, leading negotiations, and managing a varied caseload with confidence.
6. Qualified solicitor, barrister, or equivalent experienced in contracts (experience of procurement law is desirable but not essential).
7. Previous experience of working in a public sector environment or with public sector clients.
8. Excellent drafting, negotiation, time management, and communication skills.
9. Ability to manage a busy caseloads and deliver pragmatic solutions under pressure.
10. Committed to equality, professionalism, and the values of Devon County Council.
Why Devon?
At Devon County Council, you’ll find more than just a job – you’ll discover a career with purpose. We offer:
11. Structured Development: Comprehensive training and supervision to help you meet professional qualifications and progress with confidence.
12. Opportunities to Grow: Build expertise across diverse areas of public sector law, with clear pathways for professional development.
13. A Council with Purpose: Be part of an organisation committed to creating a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Devon, guided by our Strategic Plan priorities.
14. Inclusive and Collaborative Culture: Work in a team that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration, where your contribution truly matters.
15. Impact That Counts: Make a real difference to communities across Devon through meaningful legal work that shapes lives and services.