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- Tasks: Advise public sector bodies on legal and commercial issues while managing junior team members.
- Company: DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services with a focus on the public sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible, hybrid working options and clear growth potential towards partnership.
- Why this job: Join a market-leading team dedicated to improving UK communities through impactful legal work.
- Qualifications: Experience in public law and commercial issues, ideally within government or public sector roles.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage all candidates to apply, even if they don't meet every requirement.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Why join us?
DWF are currently recruiting for an experienced Legal Director to join our growing Government and Public Sector practice.
As a Legal Director, you will be joining an established and growing Government and Public Sector practice that is on key public sector frameworks and has a market-leading reputation for quality especially in Subsidy Control and Public Procurement.
The team works for central government authorities, mayoral combined authorities and local authorities, R&D, education and health institutions, police authorities, charities, and key suppliers and institutions working with the public sector.
We are looking for someone (ideally) to be based in either of our regional offices including Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, Birmingham or Liverpool and offer a flexible, hybrid working approach. Previous experience in house within the public sector or Government Legal Department would be an advantage.
Responsibilities
- Advise public sector bodies on public law and commercial issues including governance and vires/ powers for central government and local government organisations in particular while ideally also advising on Subsidy Control and grant funding. Expertise in public procurement will be of further advantage.
- Deliver high-quality, technically precise, and commercially focused advice to clients with an excellent level of service.
- Line manage and support more junior members in the team.
- Build working relationships internally and externally in order to maintain key client relationships and develop business networks.
What will help you succeed in this role?
Essential
- Substantive experience advising central, devolved and local and regional government authorities (and those engaging with them) on public law and commercial issues including governance and vires/ powers for central government and local government organisations in particular.
- Knowledge and appreciation of the inner workings of central, regional and local government bodies and the interaction of politics, public policy and delivery (NB. in house public sector experience is an advantage).
- Commercially minded with excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- A collaborative approach to building and developing relationships with clients and colleagues.
Desirable
- Experience of advising on Subsidy Control and grant funding (and ideally public procurement too).
What we offer?
DWF is one of the leading Government & Public Sector focussed practices across the UK, growing year on year across a range of legal disciplines but led at the heart from sector specialists who enjoy all aspects of working with government bodies for the betterment of the UK and its communities. We are on the key frameworks relevant for growth in the sector and are focussed on growing the highest quality and sustainable offering for the market, working both for and with central, regional and local government authorities.
We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF. This role has clear growth potential and a track for Partnership for the right candidate.
We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.
About us
DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. Our approach delivers efficiency, price certainty and transparency for our clients across the world without compromising on quality or service. Our purpose is to deliver positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities and we foster a culture that places our colleagues at the centre of all that we do.
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Legal Director - Government and Public Sector employer: DWF Law LLP
Contact Detail:
DWF Law LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Director - Government and Public Sector
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the public sector and legal fields. Attend relevant conferences, seminars, or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues or clients. Building these connections can give you insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current trends and changes in public law and procurement regulations. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the field and your ability to provide high-quality advice.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of DWF to gain insights into the company culture and expectations for the Legal Director role. This can help you tailor your approach and show that you understand the firm's values.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your experience that highlight your expertise in public law, governance, and stakeholder management. Being able to articulate your past successes will set you apart during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Director - Government and Public Sector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in public law and commercial issues, particularly governance and vires for government organisations. Emphasise any relevant experience with subsidy control and public procurement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about working in the Government and Public Sector. Mention specific examples of your previous work that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your negotiation and stakeholder management skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully built relationships with clients and colleagues in past roles.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge: Include insights into your understanding of the workings of central, regional, and local government bodies. This will show that you are well-prepared to advise on public law and commercial issues effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at DWF Law LLP
✨Understand Public Law and Governance
Make sure you have a solid grasp of public law, governance, and the specific powers of central and local government organisations. Be prepared to discuss your experience in these areas and how it relates to the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Highlight your negotiation and stakeholder management skills during the interview. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully navigated complex discussions or agreements, especially in a public sector context.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
DWF values collaboration, so be ready to share instances where you've built strong relationships with clients and colleagues. Emphasise your ability to work as part of a team and support junior members.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Subsidy Control
If you have experience with Subsidy Control and public procurement, make sure to discuss it. If not, do some research on these topics to show your willingness to learn and adapt to the needs of the role.
