At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead on complex commercial matters and provide specialist legal advice.
- Company: Join Bury Council’s award-winning Legal Services team.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, leading pension, and enhanced family leave options.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with diverse learning opportunities and strong community values.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your legal expertise in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in contracts and procurement.
The predicted salary is between 52413 - 53460 £ per year.
- Job reference: 002229
- Department: Corporate Core
- Location: Bury Town Hall
- Employment type: Permanent
- Division: Legal Services
- Hours Per Week: 37
Senior Lawyer (Commercial & Contract) – Transform Lives Through Law
Join Bury Council’s Award-Winning Legal Services Team
Salary: £52,413 – £53,460 | Permanent | 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday, some meetings outside of regular hours may be required | Hybrid Working | Bury, Town Hall
Your Opportunity to Make a Lasting Impact
Are you a legal professional looking for a challenging and rewarding role where you can use your skills to make a real difference? If so, we want to hear from you.
Bury Legal Services plays a vital role in supporting the Council’s vision for the borough, and we are looking for a Senior Lawyer to join our team and contribute to delivering high-quality legal services to our several client departments.
About Your Role
As a Senior Lawyer, you will lead on complex commercial and procurement matters, providing specialist legal advice, managing a varied caseload and resolving contractual disputes.
You will utilise excellent drafting and negotiation skills to support the Council in securing effective contractual arrangements.
You will also have the opportunity to provide significant input to the development and implementation of our legal compliance policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a varied and complex caseload, ensuring all matters are progressed effectively
- Provide high-quality legal advice to departments and elected Members on the Council’s legal powers, duties and functions
- Build and maintain strong working relationships across departments and with external stakeholders, communicating clearly and effectively
- Support, coach and develop junior team members, contributing to a high-performing and collaborative legal service
- Contribute to strategic thinking within the service, using sound judgement to challenge, innovate and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and best practice
About You
- Qualified solicitor, barrister, or CILEx Lawyer with relevant practice rights and valid practising certificate
- Demonstrable experience advising on contracts and procurement matters
- Significant experience drafting and negotiating a wide range of contracts and agreements
- Experience drafting and advising on construction, building, and engineering contracts
- Experience managing a substantial and complex caseload with competing priorities
- Detailed knowledge of public procurement law and practice, including the Procurement Act 2023 and associated legislation
- Good knowledge of subsidy control legislation and its application to local government activities
- Up-to-date knowledge of local government law, governance, decision-making and the statutory framework within which local authorities operate
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders
- Collaborative approach to working, contributing to shared objectives and outcomes
- Our Benefits Package
- Generous
- Holiday
Allowance: Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of Local Government service.
You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
- Leading Pension: Enrolled in the UK’s largest Local Government Pension Scheme, with life cover of three times your salary as a lump sum and options to top up your benefits.
- Enhanced Parental and Carers Leave: Access enhanced family leave options to bond with your newborn or support family during critical life events.
- Brilliant Perks: Discounts on shop, holidays, phone contracts, cycle‑to‑work scheme, free flu jabs, eye tests and more.
- Learning and Growth: Diverse learning opportunities, workshops, training sessions, apprenticeships and qualifications, supported by a comprehensive onboarding process.
- Good Employment Charter Member: Secure, flexible work, annual pay reviews, trade union recognition, health and wellbeing support, and two days pro‑rata paid volunteering leave.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered. Commitment to a workforce that reflects community diversity.
- Reasonable Adjustments and
- Disability
- Confident
Employer: Workplace Adjustment Hub, Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network, and Mental Health Staff Network to provide safe, inclusive spaces.
- Guaranteed
- Assessment
Scheme: Assessment guaranteed for applicants meeting shortlisting criteria who identify with Armed Forces, current or former care leavers, or individuals with disability or long‑term health condition.
- Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
- Members of the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel and veterans
- Current or former care leavers
- Individuals with a disability or long-term health condition
- About Bury
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Appointment may be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service clearance.
Candidates must provide a full employment history and reference coverage for the past ten years; character references will not be accepted.
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Senior Lawyer (Commercial & Contract) employer: North West Legal Consortium
Halton Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous benefits such as 34 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in a collaborative environment dedicated to community development.
Contact Details:
North West Legal Consortium Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer (Commercial & Contract)
✨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.
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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 North West Legal Consortium, 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 (Commercial & Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at North West Legal Consortium, 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 North West Legal Consortium and the specific role of Senior Lawyer (Commercial & Contract). 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 North West Legal Consortium’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at North West Legal Consortium
✨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 North West Legal Consortium.
✨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 North West Legal Consortium.
