At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse commercial legal work and provide practical advice on key projects.
- Company: Join Liverpool City Council and make a positive impact in vibrant communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31+ days holiday, flexible working, and health benefits.
- Other info: Great opportunities for progression and professional development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting projects like Eurovision and Tour de France while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Seeking talented lawyers with a passion for collaboration and solution-focused advice.
The predicted salary is between 53051 - 58543 £ per year.
Location: Liverpool
Salary: 53,051 - 58,543 per year
Employment: Full time
Category: Local Government Lawyer
Job introduction
A bit about us: Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Working at Liverpool City Council provides an opportunity to contribute to the city and make a positive impact on the lives of our residents. Our values shape how we work, how we deliver public services and how we communicate with the people and organisations we serve.
Legal Services advises the Council across a broad and varied range of services, projects and priorities. The Commercial Team supports work relating to contracts and procurement, schools, adult social care and wider corporate and strategic projects. Our lawyers work closely with colleagues across the Council to provide practical, proportionate and solution-focussed advice.
We are recruiting two permanent solicitors to strengthen our commercial legal capacity and support a diverse portfolio of work across the Council. The team advises on major, high-profile and high-value projects spanning culture, sport, regeneration and corporate transformation, including projects connected with Eurovision, UEFA events and preparations for the Tour de France Grand Départ next year, alongside other key city priorities.
The role: We are looking to recruit two talented Lawyers (Commercial) to join Liverpool City Council’s Commercial Team. These roles offer the opportunity to undertake varied and meaningful work that directly supports the delivery of important services and projects across the city.
Whether you already work in local government or are looking to move from private practice or another in-house setting into a rewarding public-sector role, we would welcome an application from you if you can provide practical, solution-focussed advice and enjoy working collaboratively with clients and colleagues.
As a Lawyer (Commercial), you will:
- Manage a varied caseload of complex and non-complex commercial legal work, with support and supervision from a Senior Lawyer or Head of Law
- Advise officers, senior managers and other stakeholders on commercial, procurement and governance matters, clearly explaining legal risks, options and practical solutions
- Draft, review and negotiate contracts for services and the purchase of goods, framework agreements and call-off terms, loans, hire, sponsorship, partnership, deeds, variations, novations, grant and funding agreements, large-scale events and host city agreements, MoU, non-disclosure agreements and collaboration arrangements
- Support procurement activity, contract management and major corporate and strategic projects across areas including adult social care, public health, children’s services and culture, working closely with colleagues in Procurement, Finance and client services
- Provide advice on grant funding, subsidy control, decision-making and related public law issues arising in a commercial context
- Produce clear, accurate and high-quality legal documents, reports and written advice.
- Attend project boards, client meetings and Council meetings where required, providing legal and governance advice and support
- Build strong client relationships and contribute to training, guidance and legal awareness across the Council
- Supervise or support Legal Officers, Legal Assistants, Trainee Lawyers and work experience students where applicable
- Contribute to service improvement, value for money and the effective use of digital and case-management systems
- Carry out related tasks as may be delegated by the Head of Law or Senior Lawyers
Our offer to you:
- At least 31 days holiday, plus bank holidays rising to 35 after 5 years’ service (pro rata if part time) - option to purchase further days
- Agile working (role dependent) - a “Flexibility First” approach to agile working, where flexibility is the norm rather than the exception
- Part of the Local Government Pension Scheme – option to join the AVC Scheme
- Progression - opportunities and training through a wide range of high quality learning
- Health and Wellbeing - offer including Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work and Travel Pass Schemes
- Drive Time – a salary sacrifice car lease scheme
- Family friendly policies with enhanced leave
- Discounted Gym Memberships
- Employee Volunteering Scheme
Next steps:
Closing date: Midnight Sunday 13th December 2026
Shortlisting date: Monday 14th to Wednesday 16th December 2026
Interview date: Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd December 2026
Interview type: Interview questions with an initial exercise (candidate given 15 minutes to complete); interviews in person, with discretion to conduct via Teams
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early. Once the role has closed, you will not be able to submit an application, and we are unable to reopen the vacancy for you to complete it. We strongly recommend submitting your application well in advance of the closing date to avoid disappointment.
If you would like any further information or an informal discussion, please contact us.
Liverpool City Council is committed to fostering a workforce representative of the communities we serve. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we believe in appointing candidates based on their skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities. To support this commitment, we guarantee an interview to candidates from under-represented groups who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2010, such as an application form in a different format or additional time to complete your application, please contact us.
Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified in the final stages of the selection process. All candidates must either already have a right to work in the UK before commencing employment or meet the Home Office criteria for Visa sponsorship. Candidates who require sponsorship should evaluate the Home Office eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa before applying.
Lawyer (Commercial Law) in Liverpool employer: Liverpool City Council
Liverpool City Council is an excellent employer for social workers, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the families they serve. With opportunities for professional development and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team, you will find meaningful and rewarding employment in a role that directly impacts the lives of children and families in the community. Located in the vibrant city of Liverpool, you will enjoy a dynamic environment that fosters growth and innovation in social work practice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer (Commercial Law) in Liverpool
✨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
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We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer (Commercial Law) in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Liverpool City 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 Liverpool City Council and the specific role of Lawyer (Commercial Law). 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 Liverpool City Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Liverpool City 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 Liverpool City 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 Liverpool City Council.
