Senior Contracts Lawyer - Lewisham (Local Authority role) Initial 6 month contract Rate: Negotiable, Umbrella 35 hours per week, at least 2 days in the office Main Purpose of the job: To handle more complex contract work arising and in particular deputise for the Principal Lawyer as appropriate in this major Council work area. This will include advice and assistance with legal documentation and negotiation with partners or preferred bidders in relation to joint commissioning initiatives with the Health Authority or other local authorities. Support the Principal Lawyer in advising and drafting contracts and protocols on a wide range of public private partnership arrangements. Provide advice on more complex procurement and tender documentation. Summary of Responsibilities: Ensure that legal advice and assistance is provided efficiently and expeditiously both personally and by other staff within the Team. Manage and co-ordinate the work of staff and provide advice, guidance and direction as necessary. Deputise for the Principal Lawyer as required. Manage a group of staff within the Team on a day to day basis, as required by the Principal Lawyer. Undertake as required (and in particular in any major work area allocated), a personal caseload of the more complex contract advice, and agreement preparation work. Deal with the preparation of complex or unique forms of contract, specialised agreements, advise on any matters of contract law and prepare other complex or unusual documentation as above. To work flexibly as part of the Contracts Team and be willing to offer support and assistance to other lawyers in the wider Legal team as required. Act as legal advisor to Members and Officers in connection with procedures or matters arising from the Committees attended and participate in the formulation of policy proposals for presentation to Committees. Deal with Ombudsman cases. Attend Committees, as directed, to give such legal and general advice as may be necessary. Draft reports to Committee, if required, both on general departmental matters, and on specific items connected with own work. Scrutinize reports drafted by other directorates and consider legal implications of their committee reports, contributing as appropriate. Introduce new procedures, as required, arising from new legislation, and improvements in efficiency or otherwise, in consultation with other affected departments and prepare any necessary documentation If you have any questions about this role or wish to apply, please contact isobel@deekay.co.uk who will respond at the earliest convenience.