At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate housing contracts while advising on procurement strategies.
- Company: Join Harlow District Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent work-life balance, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial law and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Work in a thriving town with great transport links to London.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: England, Essex
Job Type: Full Time, Temporary 6 Months
Salary: £46.78 PAYE / £60.00 Umbrella
Closing Date: Monday 16th February 2026
Job Purpose
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Harlow Council to recruit a Commercial Lawyer on a full-time, temporary basis. Please note that this post requires the successful individual to be based on site 4 days per week. Harlow is a district of contrasts and an ideal location to both live and work. The town itself is thriving, with excellent shopping and leisure facilities for all ages. We have good road links to the M11 and M25 and excellent rail connections to London and Stansted Airport, just 35 minutes and 20 minutes away from Harlow respectively.
Job Responsibilities
- Drafting, negotiating and reviewing a range of housing related contracts, agreements (and policies relating to capital works)
- Advising on procurement strategy, compliance and risk mitigation
- Supporting governance and statutory compliance
- Drafting and negotiating JCT/NEC contracts, collateral warranties and guarantees
What you should do next
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website. If you have any queries relating to this post please email Ashleigh.Drake@essex.gov.uk
Commercial Lawyer – Harlow District Council (Full Time) employer: Local Gov
Contact Detail:
Local Gov Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Lawyer – Harlow District Council (Full Time)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might have insights into Harlow District Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of housing contracts and procurement strategies. We want you to shine when discussing your experience with JCT/NEC contracts and compliance issues!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your previous work related to contract drafting and negotiation. This will help demonstrate your expertise and give the interviewers confidence in your abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through the Working for Essex website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and keen to join the team at Harlow District Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Lawyer – Harlow District Council (Full Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Lawyer role. Highlight relevant experience in drafting and negotiating contracts, as well as any work with procurement strategies. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Harlow District Council. Mention specific projects or experiences that relate to housing contracts and compliance – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Legal Knowledge: In your application, don’t forget to showcase your understanding of JCT/NEC contracts and risk mitigation strategies. We’re keen to see how you can contribute to our governance and statutory compliance efforts.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply via the Working for Essex website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Gov
✨Know Your Contracts
Brush up on your knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've drafted or negotiated these types of agreements in the past. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the terminology, but that you can apply it in real-world scenarios.
✨Understand Procurement Strategies
Make sure you have a solid grasp of procurement strategies and compliance issues. Prepare to talk about how you've advised on these matters previously, including any challenges you faced and how you mitigated risks. This will demonstrate your ability to support governance and statutory compliance effectively.
✨Research Harlow District Council
Take some time to learn about Harlow District Council and its current projects or initiatives. Being able to reference specific council activities during your interview will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect your skills to their needs.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team you'll be working with, the council's future projects, or how they measure success in this role. Asking insightful questions shows that you're engaged and serious about the position.