Associate/Senior Associate - Public law and Governance

Why join us? DWF are currently recruiting for an experienced Associate or Senior Associate to join our growing Government and Public Sector practice. 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 flexible on experience level and would welcome applications from both experienced Associates and Senior Associates. We would also consider a high‑performing Senior Associate seeking their first Director appointment. The role is ideally suited to candidates based in one of our regional offices, including Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, Birmingham or Liverpool, with a flexible, hybrid working approach. We are also open to candidates based elsewhere within DWF’s UK footprint, including Scotland and Northern Ireland.

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.
• 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.

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.