At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to handle contracts and procurement for a major local authority.
- Company: Durham County Council, the 8th largest local authority in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community projects while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Contracts and Procurement Lawyer to work at Durham County Council as part of the Legal and Democratic Services Team. Durham County Council is the 8th Largest Local Authority in the country supported by an experienced and talented legal service. Based in Durham City with excellent transport links, our County is a fascinating place to work with rich history and heritage, coastline as well as areas of outstanding natural beauty and a world heritage site on the doorstep.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
This motivated highly professional team is looking for an individual committed to excellence to undertake contracts and procurement work. The successful candidate will support and assist the Senior Lawyer (Corporate and Commercial Governance) as well as being responsible for their own caseload, providing a professional legal service with support from dedicated Legal Assistants. You will join a small team supplying high quality legal advice with a significant and varied caseload undertaking work relating to all Council functions and the opportunity to provide advice to schools, academies and the Fire Service. In particular, you will be working closely with our excellent Corporate Procurement Team who deal with an annual spend of over £500 million. You will advise on contracts and procurement for the provision of works, services or supplies, event and art agreements, as well as grant agreements and associated legal documentation. You can expect to be involved in high value and complex construction, regeneration and ICT projects.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
You should be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with current practising certificate (will consider those about to qualify having completed all academic stages). Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held as soon after the closing date as possible. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
Lawyer Contracts and Procurement employer: North East Ambition
Durham County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment within the vibrant city of Durham. With a commitment to employee growth, competitive salaries, and generous leave entitlements, the council fosters a culture of excellence and collaboration, making it an ideal place for legal professionals to thrive while contributing to meaningful community projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer Contracts and Procurement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with contracts and procurement. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Durham County Council and its legal services. Knowing their recent projects and challenges will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Focus on articulating your experience with contracts and procurement clearly, and don’t forget to highlight your teamwork abilities, especially since you’ll be working closely with the Corporate Procurement Team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are committed to excellence in legal services.
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer Contracts and Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in contracts and procurement law. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of Durham County Council, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since you'll be working closely with the Corporate Procurement Team, it’s a good idea to mention any collaborative experiences you’ve had. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to work well in a team and contribute to a positive work environment.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re the right fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Durham County Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the key aspects of contract law and procurement processes. Familiarise yourself with the types of contracts you'll be dealing with, especially those related to public sector work. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be working closely with the Corporate Procurement Team, it's essential to highlight your collaborative skills. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully worked in a team setting, particularly in legal contexts. This will show that you're ready to integrate smoothly into their motivated team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about potential challenges you might encounter in contracts and procurement and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly and effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Excellence
Durham County Council is looking for someone committed to high standards. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure quality in your work and any relevant achievements that showcase your dedication to excellence in legal services. This will resonate well with their values and expectations.
