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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: Enjoy hybrid working, a 9-day fortnight, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community with impactful legal work.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with at least 5 years of experience in public procurement law.
The predicted salary is between 60573 - 70203 £ per year.
South London Legal Partnership (SLLP) are recruiting an experienced procurement and contracts lawyer considering a move that offers high quality work, professional autonomy and a healthier work life balance. 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, designed 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.
- be experienced 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 will 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, and the opportunity to do meaningful legal work that directly impacts residents. SLLP offers 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.
Contract & Procurement Lawyer in Merton employer: South London Legal Partnership
Contact Detail:
South London Legal Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract & Procurement Lawyer 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. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of public procurement law. Be ready to discuss recent changes in legislation and how they impact local government. Show them you’re not just a lawyer, but a knowledgeable partner in their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We want to see your application, and applying directly helps us keep track of your journey. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at SLLP!
We think you need these skills to ace Contract & Procurement Lawyer in Merton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in public procurement and contracts law. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant cases or projects you've worked on!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team at SLLP. Share your passion for public sector work and how you can contribute to our mission of delivering high-quality legal advice.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a lawyer, clear communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to convey complex legal concepts simply and effectively. This will show us that you can provide clear, pragmatic advice to our clients.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at South London Legal Partnership
✨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
The job 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 the SLLP environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the types of cases you’ll handle, and how the SLLP supports professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.