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- Tasks: Provide legal advice on contracts and commercial matters for local authorities.
- Company: Join a leading legal practice dedicated to serving the Kirklees community.
- Benefits: Generous leave, hybrid working, and access to employee healthcare services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in local government law.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal development and leadership within a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 49000 £ per year.
Organisation: Kirklees
Directorate: Public Health and Corporate Resources
Service Area: Governance & Commissioning
Hours: 37
Number of Jobs: 1
Location(s): Across Kirklees
Position type: Permanent
Grade: 14 – 15
Salary: £51,356 – £56,494 + Market Rate Supplement of £3,000
Recruitment Process
We adopt a ‘name blind’ approach to shortlisting. Recruiting managers will not have access to personal information, including your name and contact details, until a shortlisting decision has been made.
Advert Wording
Do you want to make a difference to local people? As one of the largest legal practices in the area, our dedicated Legal Service teams strive to get the best outcomes for people in Kirklees.
The team
The Contracts and Commercial Team are one of the specialist teams within Kirklees Legal Services. Working closely with the Council’s procurement team provides legal services on a wide range of commercial matters including drafting and advising on contracts, grant agreements and the like. This includes working on high value, high profile and prestigious projects.
The role
As part of this role you will play a key role in ensuring robust governance and delivering high quality legal advice. You will be expected to have your own complex caseload on matters including local government law and procedure, contracts (including ICT and construction), public procurement, PFI Academy transfers and expiry, TUPE, waste management and other commercial/partnership work, with the ability and experience of drafting complex documentation to support Local Authority projects. You will also supervise other senior lawyers in the team. This is a great opportunity to develop both your technical and your leadership skills. We are looking for someone with a positive approach who enjoys working as part of a team. You will be supported by our Senior Lawyers and Business Support team.
Development
If you are ambitious to develop your skills and knowledge in legal services and want to know more about the legal issues that affect local authorities – this is the role for you. We put a strong emphasis on training and personal development and want to support you to be the best you can be.
What You Will Bring
You will be a qualified Solicitor (or Barrister) holding a current practising certificate, or you will be a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.
Experience areas
- Local Government Law and Procedure (including Information law and practice)
- Company Law / Joint Ventures / Partnerships
- PPP’s / PFI / Academy Conversions
- Other commercial law not covered above (i.e. TUPE, Subsidy law, Intellectual Property Rights, Construction law, etc.)
Benefits
- 28.5 days annual leave increasing to 32.5 after 5 years’ service (plus bank holidays)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Travel and parking discounts
- Exceptional Maternity and Paternity leave policies
- Local Government Pension
- Access to Employee Healthcare that offers a range of services from counselling to physiotherapy and health assessments
- Hybrid working
PLEASE NOTE WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CLOSE THIS ADVERTISEMENT EARLY SHOULD WE RECEIVE A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF APPLICATIONS.
Contact Marc Ellis is the manager for this role, please contact them on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion, or if you need any more information.
We know there’s a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. If you need any support completing an application form, or any other format for the application or Job Description, please contact the Recruitment Team for help by e‑mail or phone: 01484 221000 and ask for ‘Recruitment’. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Closing date 15 December 2025, 11:55 PM
Principal Lawyer - Contracts and Commercial employer: Kirklees Council
Contact Detail:
Kirklees Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer - Contracts and Commercial
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in local government or commercial law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local government law and recent developments in commercial law. We want you to shine, so practice answering common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! If you’ve supervised teams or led projects, make sure to highlight these experiences during interviews. We’re looking for someone who can guide others while delivering top-notch legal advice.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in Kirklees.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer - Contracts and Commercial
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in local government law and commercial contracts. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements stand out. Remember, less is often more!
Show Your Team Spirit: Since we’re looking for someone who enjoys working as part of a team, make sure to mention any collaborative projects or experiences. Highlighting your ability to work well with others will definitely catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on local government law and procedure, as well as the specifics of contracts and commercial law. Familiarise yourself with recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact the role. This will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves supervising other senior lawyers, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or managed complex projects, and how you can bring that experience to Kirklees.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might face in this role, such as drafting complex documentation or navigating public procurement issues, and how you would address them.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the council's approach to legal challenges. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
