Mid Kent Legal Services (MKLS) provides legal services and advice across the Mid‑Kent area to Swale, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells councils. The service covers Property and Regeneration, Planning, Contentious, Contracts & Commissioning and Corporate Governance. Working across multiple councils means high‑level, challenging and impactful work, from supporting garden community delivery to redeveloping large shopping centres, letting very large contracts and delivering affordable housing. It’s a real opportunity to make a difference in an area with vibrant towns, beautiful villages, countryside and fantastic leisure and cultural amenities.
The Benefits
* Local Government pension scheme
* Generous annual leave plus time off between Christmas and New Year (and option to purchase extra leave)
* Wellbeing support including confidential advice, counselling, flu vaccines
* Discounts on leisure, retail and fuel, and salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to Work and car leasing
* Generous sick pay
* Free parking across the three Partner Authority sites
* Season ticket loans for rail/bus travel
* Career development
This is the ideal opportunity for a contracts and commissioning legal professional to join our forward‑thinking shared service. With generous benefits, a brilliant pension scheme and access to professional development, you’ll thrive in a role that supports your growth in the practice area of contracts and commissioning law. Outstanding working arrangements include the majority of time spent working from home, a 34‑hour week with a 1 pm finish on Fridays, compressed hours, nine‑day fortnights and part‑time working, all within an inclusive and supportive environment where your wellbeing is prioritised.
The Role
As our Lawyer (Contracts and Commissioning), you will be developed and supported to provide high‑quality, proactive professional legal advice in contracts and commissioning law and practice. You will operate at the forefront of legal excellence and align with Lexcel standards, providing legal advice and communications to clients across all three local authorities. You will be supported to supervise less senior fee earners and Legal Support Officers, ensuring high‑quality support in legal transactions.
Additionally, You Will
* Stay updated on legal developments in contracts and commissioning
* Be represented in internal working groups and external meetings on behalf of MKLS
* Uphold the Council’s policies
About You
* To be a qualified solicitor, barrister, chartered legal executive or have an equivalent qualification
Experience
* Minimum of 2 years post‑qualification legal practice experience in contracts and commissioning
* Some knowledge and understanding of the new Procurement Act and experience of drafting appointment contracts, non‑disclosure agreements and exclusivity agreements
* Some knowledge and understanding of the political nature of local government and democratic process
* A full, valid driving licence
Other organisations may call this role Legal Counsel, Legal Services Advisor, Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive.
Following the submission of your application form it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Those successful will be invited to a face‑to‑face interview. Mid Kent Legal Services and the partner authorities are equal‑opportunity employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Timothy Pyant, Interim Business Manager on 01622 602155.
Interview Date: W/C 2nd March 2026.
Disability Confident. Disability Confident provides an interview to any applicant who declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr