Senior Contracts Lawyer
Location: 1 Catford Road, Catford, London, SE6 4RU
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Duration: 6+ Months
Working Hours: Mon Fri, 09 00, 37 Hours per week
Pay Rate: £ 34.74 per hour
Job Ref: OR8747
Responsibilities
* Handle complex contract work and deputise for the Principal Lawyer as needed in major Council work areas.
* Provide advice and assistance with legal documentation and negotiation with partners or preferred bidders in joint commissioning initiatives.
* Support the Principal Lawyer in advising and drafting contracts and protocols on a wide range of public-private partnership arrangements.
* Offer advice on complex procurement and tender documentation.
* Ensure efficient and expeditious provision of legal advice and assistance personally and through team members.
* Manage and coordinate the work of staff, providing advice, guidance, and direction as necessary.
* Undertake a personal caseload of complex contract advice and agreement preparation work.
* Prepare complex or unique forms of contract and specialised agreements, and advise on contract law matters.
* Work flexibly within the Contracts Team and offer support to other lawyers in the wider Legal team as required.
* Act as a legal advisor to Members and Officers, participate in policy formulation, and attend Committees to provide necessary legal advice.
* Draft and scrutinize Committee reports, considering legal implications and contributing as appropriate.
* Introduce new procedures arising from legislation and efficiency improvements, consulting with affected departments and preparing necessary documentation.
* Stay updated on current legislation and professional requirements, instructing colleagues as necessary.
* Present training courses and seminars for Members, Officers, and others as needed.
* Conduct employment performance evaluation interviews regularly for staff within the Contracts team, ensuring adequate training and development.
* Assist the Principal Lawyer in Service Level Agreement negotiations and client liaison.
* Promote and market Legal Services.
* Cooperate with external reviews of Council performance, including audits and inspections.
* Carry out additional legal work and tasks as required by the Principal Lawyer, Head of Legal Services, or Director of Law and Corporate Governance.
* Ensure responsibilities are carried out with regard to equal opportunities, health and safety, Core Values, and Legal Services objectives.
* Advise Committees, Chairs, Members, and Officers, including the Chief Executive, as necessary.
* Maintain frequent contact with solicitors, court officers, government departments, local authority associations, and other professionals as necessary.
Person Specification
* Commitment to implementing the Council's Equal Opportunities policies.
* Awareness of Equal Opportunities issues.
* Commitment to the highest standards of customer care and enhancing client relations.
* Advanced knowledge of the specific area of law and its application in a local authority context.
* Understanding of strategic and operational management practices.
* Ability to analyze problems, make decisions, and exercise professional judgment independently.
* Capability to work positively and imaginatively with senior authority members and partners.
* Ability to carry out special tasks or projects, contributing to or leading multi-disciplinary teams.
* Ability to work under substantial pressure and meet conflicting deadlines.
* Robust and creative approach in interpreting and applying the law.
* Articulate and confident in oral and written presentations.
* Ability to present written information clearly and succinctly.
* Experience in managing a varied legal caseload at a senior level.
* Experience in managing staff and ensuring performance within legislative timescales.
* Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (or equivalent qualifications) or demonstration of equivalent competence.
* Ability to work as part of, lead, and motivate a team.
* Dependable, self-reliant, and self-motivating.
* Ability to anticipate problems and develop appropriate solutions.
* Commitment to service excellence and flexibility in service provision.
* Ability to work outside normal working hours when required.
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