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- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on procurement and contracts for local government.
- Company: Join the South London Legal Partnership, a supportive in-house legal team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a £3,000 Golden Hello for new applicants.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public procurement while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 5+ years in public procurement law and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60573 - 70203 £ per year.
Salary: £60,573 to £70,203 (including annually reviewed £7,437 Market Supplement)
Golden Hello: £3,000 (external applicants)
Working Pattern: Hybrid working
Location: Merton (team day Tuesday) with attendance at partner boroughs as required.
Optional: 9‑day working fortnight available for those that choose it (based on the needs of the service and colleagues).
South London Legal Partnership (SLLP) is the shared in‑house legal service for the London Boroughs of Merton, Richmond upon Thames, Sutton, Wandsworth and the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, providing legal advice at scale across South West London. The partnership model offers the opportunity to work on complex and high‑profile matters while remaining part of a supportive and well‑resourced in‑house team.
The Role
This is a newly upgraded role for an expert level procurement and contracts lawyer. You will join a small specialist team, reporting to a Principal Lawyer, with no line management responsibilities. The role is advisory focused and non‑contentious, allowing you to concentrate on delivering high quality legal advice, including on complex, cross‑team and high‑profile cases.
Main areas of the role include:
- Acting as a trusted expert in public procurement and contracts law
- Managing a diverse and extensive procurement law caseload with autonomy and responsibility
- Drafting, reviewing and advising on a wide range of commercial and public sector contracts
- Advising officers and elected members on a wide range of issues impacting local government procurement, including subsidy control and contractual risk
- Supporting and deputising for the Principal Lawyer as required
- Contributing to knowledge‑sharing across the service, including acting as a training principal / PSL style resource
- Providing clear, effective and pragmatic legal advice within a public facing environment
This role does not involve litigation, but you will be able to advise on procurement challenges and work collaboratively with Litigation colleagues as and when needed.
About You
You will:
- Be qualified as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (Fellow of CILEX) with solid experience in public procurement law.
- Have experience in public sector client work from local government or private practice; prior in‑house experience is not essential.
- Have a minimum of around 5 years PQE experience in public procurement and contracts law and be confident running your own caseload.
- Have excellent drafting, communication, and client care skills.
- Be approachable, supportive, comfortable working closely with others and willing to share your expertise within a collaborative team.
What We Offer
- A wide and varied public procurement law workload
- Hybrid working with one team day per week in the office
- A supportive, experienced team
- The opportunity to do meaningful legal work that directly impacts residents
- Hybrid working, a 9‑day working fortnight, one team day per week in Merton, flexible use of offices across partner boroughs, and a genuine commitment to good work life balance while maintaining high professional standards.
For a confidential discussion contact: brian.gallagher@penna.com or 07716 098175.
To apply for this role please use the following link: Penna | Job Board | Expert Practitioner Lawyer – Procurement & Contracts.
Expert Practitioner Lawyer Procurement in Merton employer: Merton Council
Contact Detail:
Merton Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Expert Practitioner Lawyer Procurement in Merton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in procurement and contracts. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of public procurement law. Be ready to discuss recent changes or challenges in the field. Show them you’re not just a lawyer, but a passionate expert!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We want to see your application and help you shine in the process. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
We think you need these skills to ace Expert Practitioner Lawyer Procurement in Merton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in public procurement law. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves advising officers and elected members, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect your ability to convey complex legal concepts effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: We’re looking for someone with solid experience in public sector client work. Be sure to include specific examples of your past work in procurement and contracts law that showcase your ability to manage a diverse caseload.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merton Council
✨Know Your Procurement Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in public procurement and contracts law. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or legislation that are relevant to the role, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the subject matter.
✨Showcase Your Advisory Skills
Since the role is advisory-focused, think of examples where you've provided clear and effective legal advice. Prepare to discuss how you’ve managed complex cases and supported clients, especially in a public sector context.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
This position requires working closely with others, so be ready to share experiences where you’ve collaborated successfully within a team. Highlight your approachability and willingness to support colleagues, as these traits are key for this role.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the types of cases you’ll handle, and how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.