Public Sector Solicitor

Public Sector Solicitor

Manchester Full-Time 28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team advising on public procurement and commercial contracts.
  • Company: Be part of a leading national public law and commercial advisory firm in Manchester.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and strong training support.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on public services while developing your legal career.
  • Qualifications: Qualified solicitor (or soon to qualify) with 0-3 years' PQE and commercial contracts experience.
  • Other info: Flexible work-life balance and a collaborative, inclusive team culture.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a junior solicitor (NQ-3 PQE) to join a leading national public law and commercial advisory team based in Manchester. This role offers excellent exposure to high-profile, complex work advising central and local government bodies, NHS trusts, arm's-length bodies, and other public and third sector clients.

You will play a key role in supporting the team on a broad range of matters, including public procurement, commercial contracts, outsourcing arrangements, and governance issues. The role combines high-quality contractual and advisory work with opportunities to contribute to policy-shaping projects and transformational public sector initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts, including services agreements, outsourcing arrangements, framework agreements, and collaboration agreements.
  • Advising public sector clients on procurement strategy and compliance with UK procurement regulations, including the new Procurement Act 2023.
  • Providing legal support on governance and public law issues relevant to contractual arrangements.
  • Working closely with senior lawyers to deliver practical, commercially sound advice to public and quasi-public bodies.
  • Conducting legal research and helping prepare client training, briefing notes, and thought leadership.
  • Participating in client development initiatives, including contributing to tenders, events, and webinars.

About You:

  • Qualified solicitor (or soon to qualify) in England and Wales with 0-3 years' PQE.
  • Demonstrable interest in public sector commercial work—whether from private practice, in-house, or public authority experience. Commercial contracts experience is essential.
  • A sound understanding of public procurement, or a strong interest and willingness to develop specialist expertise in this area.
  • Strong drafting and analytical skills with good commercial awareness.
  • A collaborative team player with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Able to manage deadlines, prioritise workload, and adapt to client needs in a fast-moving environment.

What's on Offer:

  • Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits.
  • A strong commitment to training and development, including structured learning around public procurement and public sector commercial advisory work.
  • Hybrid working and genuine flexibility to support work-life balance.
  • A collegiate, inclusive team with a reputation for delivering high-quality, impactful work in the public sector.
  • The opportunity to advise on contracts and projects that make a real difference to public services and communities.

If you're a junior solicitor looking to build a career in complex, meaningful commercial work within the public sector, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a specialist team operating at the forefront of the field.

Public Sector Solicitor employer: Jameson Legal

As a leading national public law and commercial advisory team based in Manchester, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through structured training programmes and opportunities to engage in high-profile projects that truly impact public services. With competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and a focus on work-life balance, we offer a rewarding environment for junior solicitors eager to make a meaningful difference in the public sector.
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Contact Detail:

Jameson Legal Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Public Sector Solicitor

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in public procurement law, especially the new Procurement Act 2023. This will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in this specialised area during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals already working in public sector law. Attend relevant events, webinars, or workshops to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights and possibly refer you to opportunities within their organisations.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your interest in public sector work by engaging in discussions on current issues affecting public services. This could be through social media platforms like LinkedIn or by writing articles that highlight your knowledge and passion for the field.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience with commercial contracts and public law during interviews. Think about how your previous roles or projects relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description, as this will help you stand out as a candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Public Sector Solicitor

Qualified solicitor in England and Wales
Public procurement knowledge
Commercial contracts experience
Strong drafting skills
Analytical skills
Commercial awareness
Excellent written communication skills
Excellent verbal communication skills
Ability to manage deadlines
Prioritisation skills
Adaptability in a fast-moving environment
Team collaboration
Legal research skills
Client development initiatives participation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your relevant experience in public sector commercial work, especially in drafting and negotiating contracts.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise your PQE, any relevant internships or positions, and your understanding of public procurement regulations.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for public sector work. Mention specific examples of your experience with commercial contracts and your interest in developing expertise in public procurement.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Ensure there are no grammatical errors and that your writing is clear and professional, reflecting your strong communication skills.

How to prepare for a job interview at Jameson Legal

✨Understand Public Procurement

Make sure you have a solid grasp of public procurement regulations, especially the new Procurement Act 2023. Familiarise yourself with key concepts and recent changes, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to advise clients effectively.

✨Showcase Your Drafting Skills

Prepare examples of your drafting work, particularly in commercial contracts. Be ready to discuss your approach to negotiating terms and how you ensure compliance with legal standards, as this is crucial for the role.

✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration

Highlight your experience working in teams, especially in high-pressure environments. Discuss how you’ve contributed to team projects or client initiatives, showcasing your ability to collaborate effectively with senior lawyers and other stakeholders.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Anticipate questions that may require you to think on your feet, such as how you would handle specific public law issues or client scenarios. Practising these types of questions can help you articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills during the interview.

Public Sector Solicitor
Jameson Legal
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