At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support on contracts and procurement matters in a public sector environment.
- Company: Join a large local authority with a high-performing legal team.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and exposure to complex legal projects.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working on strategic initiatives in the public sector.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 3+ years' experience in public procurement law.
The predicted salary is between 60 - 60 £ per hour.
A large local authority is seeking an experienced public sector Contracts Solicitor to join its established legal team on an interim basis. This is an initial 4-6 month assignment with an immediate start available - an excellent opportunity to work in a high-performing in-house legal function, supporting a broad range of strategic projects and commercial initiatives. The organisation operates across a diverse portfolio of services and requires legal support on complex contractual, procurement, funding and partnership matters. You will work alongside experienced legal professionals and key stakeholders across the business, providing commercially focused and pragmatic legal advice.
You will provide specialist legal support on a wide range of commercial contracts and procurement matters, advising internal stakeholders on legal risk and ensuring compliance with applicable procurement legislation. Key responsibilities will include:
- Advising on contracts and procurement matters (including variations and modifications) within a public sector environment
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a range of commercial agreements
- Supporting project teams on complex commercial and strategic initiatives
- Managing legal risk and providing practical solutions to operational challenges
- Liaising with external advisers and key internal stakeholders where required
You will be a qualified solicitor, barrister or equivalent legal professional holding a current practising certificate (this role will be suited to lawyers with 3+ years' PQE). You will have demonstrable experience advising on:
- Commercial contracts (including modifications) within a local government or wider public sector setting
- Public procurement law, including the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and Procurement Act 2023
- Funding agreements and subsidy control law
- Collaboration, partnership and joint working arrangements
The successful candidate will be able to manage a varied caseload with minimal supervision and demonstrate excellent drafting, communication and stakeholder management skills.
Competitive umbrella rate of £50-£60 per hour. Hybrid working - once per week, though flexibility on this may be considered. Exposure to a broad range of complex public sector contracts and procurement work. Opportunity to work within a well-established and supportive legal team.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
Contracts & Procurement Solicitor employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Join a forward-thinking IT team where your expertise in Dynamics 365 and Power Platform will be valued and nurtured. We offer a flexible hybrid working environment, a comprehensive benefits package, and ample opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to impactful projects. Our collaborative work culture encourages innovation and supports your development as you help shape critical business solutions.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts & Procurement Solicitor
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts & Procurement Solicitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Contracts & Procurement Solicitor role at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited.
