Senior Lawyer
Make law matter. Improve lives across the Wakefield District
Wakefield Council and its health partners have a clear goal to make substantial health improvements in the Wakefield District through the delivery of public health functions. It’s about real services, real communities and real outcomes. From substance misuse and sexual health to health protection, prevention and partnership working, our decisions directly affect the lives of people who live and work in Wakefield.
About The Role
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Lawyer to join our Commercial Law Team. Working within the Contract Law Team, you’ll be the key legal adviser to the Public Health Directorate, supporting the Council to discharge its statutory public health responsibilities and to deliver ambitious health improvement priorities alongside the NHS and other partner organisations.
Your work will be varied, challenging and impactful, covering areas such as:
* public health commissioning and contract design
* procurement and subsidy control
* innovative partnership and collaboration arrangements
* governance and risk
* helping to navigate legal complexity and find practical, solution‑focused routes forward
Key Responsibilities
You will:
* draft and negotiate a range of legal documents
* provide clear, concise and practical legal advice to the Public Health Team
* undertake critical work to help deliver our Council priorities and the discharge of key statutory duties and responsibilities
* Conduct legal research and support decision‑making processes including the preparation of reports
Why join our Legal Team?
Join a friendly, experienced and supportive Legal Team doing varied, meaningful work that makes a real difference across the Council. We value collaboration, clear advice and professional trust, and you’ll be supported to grow your skills and progress your career through high quality work, supervision and learning opportunities.
* “I’ve felt supported from day one -everyone is friendly, approachable and willing to help.” Rachel, Trainee Lawyer
* “Wakefield Council is a genuinely great and supportive place to work. I’ve had the opportunity to progress from Legal Officer right through to Principal Lawyer, and I’ve been nurtured and supported at every stage of that journey.” Benjamin, Principal Lawyer
Find out more about working in Legal by visiting: https://www.sellickpartnership.co.uk/resources/blog/the-path-to-leadership-in-local-government--q-a-with-gillian-marshall--chief-legal-officer-at-wakefield-council/
Why Wakefield?
At Wakefield Council, your work matters. We’re proud to be an organisation that values its people and supports them to achieve a healthy work‑life balance.
What we offer:
* Flexible and hybrid working (typically two days a week in the office)
* 31 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays (rising to 34 days after 10 years)
* Local Government Pension Scheme
* Strong learning and development support
* A real focus on wellbeing and supportive leadership
* A wide range of staff benefits and discounts
Here, you’ll do work that counts in a place that supports you to be your best.
About You
We welcome applications from:
* Qualified Solicitors
* Barristers
* Chartered Legal Executives
with a current practising certificate and relevant experience or strong transferable skills.
You don’t need to be a public health specialist already. What matters most is that you:
* enjoy working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
* can translate legal risk into practical advice senior leaders can act on
* are confident working collaboratively and influencing beyond legal teams
* are motivated by public service and making a difference
We are an equality, diversity and inclusive employer, and are proud to be a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, welcoming applications from a diverse workforce.
Company: Wakefield Council
Salary: Grade 10 - Grade 12
Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Sector: Corporate Services
Sector: Administration
Sector: Communications
Job Role: Solicitor
Expires: 08/07/2026
Job Type: Full Time
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