Job Description
3 Month Contract With A local Authority
JOB PURPOSE
To assist in the provision of a comprehensive legal service to the Council, its Executive, Committees, Sub-Committees and Departments (including Senior Officers and Elected Members), and external clients where applicable.
The postholder will:
* Protect the interests of the Council and/or external clients.
* Provide high-quality, commercially focused legal advice on complex contracts and procurement matters.
* Present legally compliant options and advise clearly on associated risks.
* Support the Council in achieving its business objectives in accordance with governance and constitutional requirements.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
* Provide professional, commercially focused legal advice and support to Council departments, Senior Officers, Elected Members and external clients (where applicable) on complex commercial contracts, procurement matters and bespoke commercial arrangements, enabling informed decision-making in compliance with legal and governance requirements.
* Manage a varied and complex caseload relating to the supply of goods, services and works, including drafting, reviewing and negotiating bespoke and standard-form contracts across areas such as construction, IT, engineering, social services, education and public health.
* Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and governance requirements, including:
o Public Contracts Regulations 2015
o Contract Standing Orders
o Subsidy control regime
o Other relevant procurement and governance legislation
* Regularly review and prioritise cases, assess liability and risk exposure, identify conflicts of interest, and monitor developments in case law and legislation to ensure advice remains current and accurate.
* Advise clients on governance, procurement and funding approval processes, ensuring that decisions are taken through appropriate democratic and constitutional mechanisms.
* Participate in corporate and cross-departmental project teams, providing governance and procurement input to major projects, shared services arrangements and integrated service delivery models.
* Negotiate and draft contracts and related documentation for complex, high-value or high-profile projects, ensuring the Council’s interests are protected and risk is appropriately managed.
* Prepare and approve reports and provide legal and procedural advice to the Executive, Committees, Sub-Committees, Working Parties and Officer Groups, ensuring decisions are lawful and compliant with the Council’s Constitution.
* Deliver training, briefings and updates to Members and Officers on relevant legislative developments and case law affecting procurement and commercial activity.
* Exercise professional judgement in determining when specialist legal advice is required and, where appropriate, instruct Counsel in accordance with agreed service procedures.
* Commission and manage external legal advisers where necessary, ensuring value for money and quality outcomes.
* Contribute to corporate, interdivisional and interdepartmental initiatives, supporting policy development and implementation in accordance with the law.
* Develop and maintain efficient working practices to support the effective and economical delivery of legal services.
* Supervise, coach and support junior legal staff and Trainee Solicitors as required, providing leadership on matters within their caseload.
REQUIREMENTS
* Significant post-qualification experience advising on public procurement and commercial contracts, including construction, IT and social care contracts.
* Substantial experience of advising on governance matters within a complex organisation.
* Experience of managing a complex and high-profile caseload with minimal supervision.
* Experience of delivering high-quality legal services while ensuring value for money and effective resource management.
* Experience of Local Authority constitutional law.
* Experience of supervising or mentoring junior legal staff.
* Experience of advising Elected Members and Senior Officers.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Bi-Weekly Payments
* 20 Working Hours Per Week