At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic legal team to protect communities and influence vital public service decisions.
- Company: Forward-thinking local authority with a collaborative and supportive culture.
- Benefits: Meaningful work, professional respect, flexible hours, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a new Commercial Team and mentor others.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your legal skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with strong technical skills and commitment to public service.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
We’re looking for talented Solicitors/Lawyers and Principal Solicitors/Lawyers to join our forward‑thinking local authority legal team. This is your opportunity to work at the heart of public service, using your skills to protect communities, support vital services, and influence decisions that shape the lives of thousands.
Benefits
- Meaningful, varied work — From safeguarding and governance to contracts, property, and regulatory matters, every day brings new challenges that genuinely impact the public good.
- Professional respect and autonomy — You’ll be trusted to lead on complex cases, advise senior leaders, and shape policy with your legal insight.
- Supportive, collaborative culture — We work proactively and collaboratively in a friendly and supportive environment to achieve the best outcomes, and to support opportunities for training and development.
- Clear progression pathways — Whether you’re an experienced solicitor ready for your next step or a principal solicitor seeking strategic influence, we offer room to grow.
- Work–life balance — Flexible working arrangements and a strong commitment to wellbeing mean you can excel professionally without compromising your life outside work.
About the Role
We are looking for Solicitors/Lawyers with strong technical skills, sound judgement, and a commitment to public service, and Principal Solicitors/Lawyers ready to lead, mentor, and drive high‑quality legal practice across the authority. In addition, we are creating a new Commercial Team which will be led and shaped by the Principal Solicitor/Lawyer (Commercial). The team will provide legal advice and assistance on all aspects of contract and procurement matters, in particular in preparation for Local Government Reorganisation.
The commercial solicitors currently sit within the Property & Commercial team and work closely with the Council’s Commissioning team in respect of contractual matters relating to the purchase of goods and services and the Growth and Development team, advising on contractual matters relating to building and construction projects in order to support the Council’s growth agenda. The solicitors work collaboratively with the Procurement team to ensure the Council’s compliance with the Procurement Act 2003 and the Council’s Contracts and Procurement Procedure Rules. The team also works alongside other legal professionals in Property & Commercial, Litigation, Children’s Social Care, Adult Social Care and Education who will be able to assist with contractual matters in their area of specialism.
Qualifications
Qualified as a solicitor or barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (with litigation and advocacy rights).
Skills
- Strong technical skills
- Sound judgement
- Commitment to public service
- Leadership and mentoring abilities (preferred)
- Experience in high‑quality legal practice (preferred)
Principal Solicitor/Lawyer (Commercial) in Blackburn employer: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Join our dynamic local authority legal team, where your expertise as a Principal Solicitor/Lawyer will directly contribute to the public good. Enjoy a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional respect, autonomy, and clear pathways for career progression, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance through flexible arrangements. This role not only offers meaningful and varied work but also the unique opportunity to shape a new Commercial Team, influencing decisions that impact thousands in the community.
Contact Detail:
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Solicitor/Lawyer (Commercial) in Blackburn
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend local events, join professional groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your strong technical skills and sound judgement. We want to see how you can bring value to the team, so prepare some examples of your past work that demonstrate your expertise in commercial law.
✨Be Ready for the Interview
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but preparation is key! Research the local authority’s recent projects and challenges, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We’re looking for candidates who are not only qualified but also passionate about public service.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Solicitor/Lawyer (Commercial) in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your strong technical skills and sound judgement in your application. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on sharing specific examples of your legal expertise.
Emphasise Your Commitment to Public Service:We’re all about making a difference in the community, so let your passion for public service shine through. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your dedication to supporting vital services and influencing positive change.
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to tailor your application to the job description. Mention how your background fits with the responsibilities of the Principal Solicitor/Lawyer (Commercial) role, especially regarding contract and procurement matters.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your legal knowledge, especially around contract and procurement matters. Familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act 2003 and any recent changes in local government regulations. This will show that you're not just a qualified solicitor but someone who is genuinely engaged with the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
If you're applying for the Principal Solicitor/Lawyer position, be ready to discuss your leadership and mentoring experiences. Think of specific examples where you've led a team or influenced decisions. This will demonstrate your capability to drive high-quality legal practice within the authority.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams, so highlight your collaborative experiences. Share instances where you've successfully worked with other departments or professionals to achieve a common goal. It’s all about showing that you can thrive in a supportive and friendly environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the council's growth agenda. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the culture aligns with your values. Plus, it makes for a more engaging conversation!
