At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead on complex commercial matters and provide specialist legal advice to support the Council.
- Company: Join Bury Council's award-winning legal services team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, leading pension scheme, and enhanced family leave options.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong support networks and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in local governance while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in contracts and procurement.
The predicted salary is between 52413 - 53460 £ per year.
Join Bury Council's Award-Winning Legal Services Team
Salary: £52,413 - £53,460 | Permanent | 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday, some meetings outside of regular hours may be required | Hybrid Working | Bury, Town Hall
Are you a legal professional looking for a challenging and rewarding role where you can use your skills to make a real difference? If so, we want to hear from you. Bury Legal Services plays a vital role in supporting the Council's vision for the borough, and we are looking for a Senior Lawyer to join our team and contribute to delivering high‑quality legal services to several client departments.
About Your Role
As a Senior Lawyer, you will lead on complex commercial and procurement matters, providing specialist legal advice, managing a varied caseload and resolving contractual disputes. You will utilise excellent drafting and negotiation skills to support the Council in securing effective contractual arrangements. You will also have the opportunity to provide significant input to the development and implementation of our legal compliance policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a varied and complex caseload, ensuring all matters are progressed effectively
- Provide high‑quality legal advice to departments and elected Members on the Council's legal powers, duties and functions
- Build and maintain strong working relationships across departments and with external stakeholders, communicating clearly and effectively
- Support, coach and develop junior team members, contributing to a high‑performing and collaborative legal service
- Contribute to strategic thinking within the service, using sound judgement to challenge, innovate and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and best practice
About You
- Qualified solicitor, barrister, or CILEx Lawyer with relevant practice rights and valid practising certificate
- Demonstrable experience advising on contracts and procurement matters
- Significant experience drafting and negotiating a wide range of contracts and agreements
- Experience drafting and advising on construction, building, and engineering contracts
- Experience managing a substantial and complex caseload with competing priorities
- Detailed knowledge of public procurement law and practice, including the Procurement Act 2023 and associated legislation
- Good knowledge of subsidy control legislation and its application to local government activities
- Up‑to‑date knowledge of local government law, governance, decision‑making and the statutory framework within which local authorities operate
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders
- Collaborative approach to working, contributing to shared objectives and outcomes
Our Benefits Package Includes
- Generous Holiday Allowance: Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of Local Government service. You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
- A Leading Pension: You’ll be enrolled in the UK's largest Local Government Pension Scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three times your salary as a lump sum.
- Enhanced Parental and Carers Leave: Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your newborn or support your family during critical life events.
- Brilliant Perks: Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out. Plus, discounts on phone contracts, cycle‑to‑work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
- Learn and Grow: We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Bury Council, we believe that a diverse workforce helps us better understand and serve our communities. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and actively encourage applications from groups that are currently underrepresented within our workforce. We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are fair, transparent and accessible to all.
Reasonable Adjustments and Disability Confident Employer
- A Workplace Adjustment Hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work
- Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provide safe and inclusive spaces to share experiences and influence council practice
- A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability‑friendly
Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panel's minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the following criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel and veterans
- Current or former care leavers
- Individuals with a disability or long‑term health condition
For more information about the role or to discuss any adjustments, please email quoting the job reference number, job title and your name. Our dedicated HR team is committed to providing you with personalised support tailored to your needs. Supporting documents are available upon request.
Senior Lawyer (Commercial & Contract) NEW Bury Council Posted today Bury £52,413 - £53,460 Expi[...] employer: Bury Council
Bury Council is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture. With generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and ample opportunities for professional development, you will be empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community as part of our expanding legal team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer (Commercial & Contract) NEW Bury Council Posted today Bury £52,413 - £53,460 Expi[...]
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Bury Council, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer (Commercial & Contract) NEW Bury Council Posted today Bury £52,413 - £53,460 Expi[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Bury Council, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Bury Council and the specific role of Senior Lawyer (Commercial & Contract) NEW Bury Council Posted today Bury £52,413 - £53,460 Expi[...]. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Bury Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bury Council
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Bury Council.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Bury Council.
