At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on commercial matters and draft contracts for diverse services.
- Company: Join Kirklees Council, a leading legal practice dedicated to local communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous annual leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with ongoing training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a current practising certificate required.
The predicted salary is between 41771 - 50269 £ per year.
Do you want to make a difference to local people? As one of the largest legal practices in the area, our dedicated Legal Services Team strives to get the best outcomes for people in Kirklees.
The Contracts and Commercial Team are one of the specialist teams within the wider Kirklees Legal Services Team. Working closely with the Council’s Procurement Team, we provide legal advice on a wide range of commercial matters. These matters are often of high value and come with a high profile, so require dedicated lawyers to not just advise on the law but consider the wider commercial context and adopt appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
You will be part of a supportive team, which has a strong commitment to training and further development of our employees. We offer genuine hybrid working and look to support individuals to find a balance that ensures the Council’s needs are met, whilst accommodating each individual’s personal circumstances. Our office is based in Huddersfield town centre, which is well placed for transport links to the North’s leading cities, including York, Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield.
The Role: We are looking for a motivated lawyer to work on a range of commercial matters. Routine work includes drafting and advising on contracts for a diverse range of services, grant agreements, procurement processes (such as drafting tender documentation or responding to challenges) and information law such as advising on GDPR. There are also lots of opportunities to get involved in areas such as construction law, employment law, subsidy control and company secretarial work.
The Successful Candidate: You should be a confident, skilled and enthusiastic lawyer with a “can do” commercial approach. Depending on your experience to date, you will usually be expected to work autonomously and take responsibility for your workload, with support and supervision from your line manager and the wider team when necessary. The team regularly meets up to discuss queries or legal updates, and you will have the opportunity to contribute to this process. You must be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister holding a current practising certificate, or a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives with a practising certificate. You could be about to qualify, be newly qualified, be returning to work or be more experienced – training and support will be available to less experienced candidates. Local government experience is not essential, but an awareness of issues affecting local government is important.
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, personal development and employee wellbeing and want to support you to be the best you can be.
Your benefits: Joining Kirklees Council means you have access to a range of employee benefits, including flexible working from day one (including working from home) and an excellent pension.
- Flexi-time: Employees have a standard, contracted number of hours they must work a week. With flexi-time, employees can elect to work more hours one week and take that time off at a later date (and vice versa), subject always to the employee fitting in with the needs of the Council and other members of Legal Services.
- Our annual leave entitlement is 36.5 days* (28 statutory including bank holidays, plus 8.5 contractual), which increases to 41.5 days* after 5 years’ continuous service (*based on an employee working 37 hours per week; pro-rated for part-time employees).
- Friendly and supportive team environment.
- Ongoing training and career development.
- Hybrid working.
- Excellent pension scheme.
- A range of family friendly policies, including flexible working and working from home.
We offer a wide range of well-being initiatives including access to Employee Healthcare that offers a range of services from counselling to physiotherapy and health assessments to a diverse range of informal staff networks you would be welcome to join.
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.
Senior Lawyer – Contracts and Commercial employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Kirklees Metropolitan Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a positive impact on the local community while providing a supportive and collaborative work environment. With a strong emphasis on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package including 36.5 days of annual leave, we prioritise the well-being and growth of our staff. Located in the heart of Huddersfield, our office offers excellent transport links to major cities, making it an ideal place for legal professionals looking to thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful local governance.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer – Contracts and Commercial
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Kirklees Metropolitan Council, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer – Contracts and Commercial
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Kirklees Metropolitan Council, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Kirklees Metropolitan Council and the specific role of Senior Lawyer – Contracts and Commercial. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Kirklees Metropolitan Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
