At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to provide commercial legal advice and draft contracts for diverse projects.
- Company: Lancashire County Council serves 1.2 million people, supporting vibrant communities across urban and rural areas.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, hybrid options, and a supportive team environment with great perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while gaining hands-on experience in exciting legal projects.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a strong commercial background.
- Other info: Work primarily from County Hall, Preston, with opportunities to work from home.
The predicted salary is between 44711 - 49764 £ per year.
Lancashire is the fourth largest local authority in England and spans twelve districts that cover a huge geographic area and a range of communities, both urban and rural. We deliver a wide range of services to the 1.2 million people who live here.
Lancashire’s Legal (Commercial & Procurement) team supports the delivery of those services through the provision of solutions-focused commercial legal advice, on a diverse range of high value and complex matters. The work includes:
- Drafting and amending contracts and other legal and procurement documents
- Negotiating with third parties
- Collaborating with other public and private sector partners
- Advising on tenders
We advise on a broad range of projects including:
- Redefining Lancashire economic development work
- Highways
- Infrastructure
- Insourcing and outsourcing of council functions
- The council’s commercialisation agenda
The role involves advising on the application of the council’s constitution, relevant procurement legislation, subsidy control, grant funding, and a variety of other commercial matters, with the opportunity to work on high value and strategic projects.
The role will be primarily a general commercial lawyer post; however, the successful applicant will also have the opportunity to advise in the following service areas:
- The council’s Digital Service on a range of contract, commercial and procurement matters, including the procurement of hardware and software, software licences, and the use of third-party frameworks.
- Academy conversions, which involves drafting and negotiating Commercial Transfer Agreements, working closely with the council’s Legal Property and Assets teams to ensure that academy conversions are completed on time.
We are a friendly, talented, and collaborative team who support each other to make a meaningful contribution to the council’s vision – making Lancashire the best place to live, work, and prosper. Commercial Lawyers enjoy a high level of responsibility and hands-on experience of stimulating, challenging work, whilst benefiting from an inclusive, supportive, and flexible working environment.
All successful applicants will need to have been admitted as a Solicitor, be a practicing Barrister, or a Chartered Legal Executive. Demonstrable commercial background, with credit given for the breadth and depth of experience that a candidate can demonstrate. Experience of local authority legal work with an appreciation of the requirements of adhering to our constitution and the relevant procurement legislation. We will consider lawyers with commercial experience from any setting as well as newly qualified lawyers who can demonstrate a strong work ethic and professional attitude.
Council employees work on a hybrid basis. The post is based at County Hall, Preston, but employees have the ability and opportunity to work from home.
In return, Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on the LCC Vacancies website. We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.
Commercial Lawyer employer: nwlegalconsortium
Contact Detail:
nwlegalconsortium Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific legal frameworks and procurement legislation relevant to local authorities. Understanding these will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in local authority legal teams or similar roles. Engaging with them can provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with drafting and negotiating contracts, especially in a public sector context. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and how they align with the needs of the Commercial & Procurement Team.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work collaboratively by highlighting any past experiences where you successfully partnered with other teams or stakeholders. This is crucial for a role that involves advising on diverse projects and working closely with various departments.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Commercial Lawyer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in commercial law, particularly any work related to local authorities or procurement legislation. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and achievements.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are a great fit for the team. Mention your understanding of the council’s vision and how you can contribute to making Lancashire a better place.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a legal role.
How to prepare for a job interview at nwlegalconsortium
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on relevant commercial law, procurement legislation, and local authority regulations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're well-prepared and knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your experience in drafting contracts, negotiating with third parties, and advising on complex legal matters. This will help illustrate your capabilities and how they align with the role.
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Lancashire County Council's goals and projects. Being able to articulate how your skills can contribute to their vision of making Lancashire a better place will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the council's approach to commercial law. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.