At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on commercial contracts and procurement in a dynamic local government setting.
- Company: Brighton and Hove City Council, an award-winning team by the sea.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on exciting projects while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified barrister, solicitor, or legal executive with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 39862 - 51356 £ per year.
Are you a talented barrister, solicitor or legal executive (qualified in England and Wales) who is interested in commercial contracts and procurement work in a local government setting? Come and join our award-winning Legal Services team by the sea!
You will have a real impact providing legal solution-focused advice and guidance relating to commercial contracts and at all stages of the procurement process and managing your own varied caseload of contracts and procurement work. Our team works on many exciting projects. Examples of work we have carried out recently include:
- Acting on a contract to enable the City to host last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup tournament.
- Providing commercial law support to a range of historic building restoration projects.
- Acting on construction projects for new social housing regeneration schemes.
- Acting on a contract for a city-wide EV chargers scheme.
- Contracts for a flood and coastal risk management scheme.
We are looking to recruit a qualified lawyer with relevant contracts and procurement experience to support this area of work, working as part of a supportive and dynamic Contracts and Procurement team. Excellent client care, communication skills, a positive attitude and a willingness to develop in the role are essential.
The Council is an existing Unitary Authority and the Legal Services team is recognised by Lexcel as an excellent, well-led service. We have had many award successes, including winning the 2024 LLG Legal Team of the year.
We can offer you a comprehensive benefits package including flexible working arrangements, a local government pension, minimum 26 days (pro rata) annual leave (plus bank holidays) and employee discount benefits.
We are a workplace that supports flexibility and employee wellbeing in the way we work whilst providing the best service for our customers. Team and service working arrangements are designed to support both employee work life balance and team collaboration.
We take diversity and inclusivity seriously and are looking to build a service which reflects the community which we represent. We are committed to attracting, retaining and developing our employees. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Our city is known and loved for its diversity. Not only is the mixture of people, culture and skills vital to the economic and social development of the city, it’s what makes Brighton & Hove such a great place to live, work and visit. We are committed to developing and retaining a workforce that is representative of the diverse communities we serve so we welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds.
As a Council, we want to be connected, confident, innovative and creative, diverse and inclusive, healthy and psychologically safe.
For more information about our values and the benefits of working at the council, visit our website which gives details of our wellbeing support, our benefits including leave and pensions as well as details of our training and development.
Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is less than 37 hours or term-time only. Please note that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check.
Contracts and Procurement Lawyer – Brighton and Hove City Council employer: Sussex Law Society
Barwells Solicitors is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and career progression. Located in the picturesque town of Seaford, our flexible working arrangements allow for a healthy work-life balance while you engage in meaningful litigation work, handling diverse disputes and building strong client relationships. With a competitive salary and bonus package, we are committed to fostering a rewarding environment for our team members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts and Procurement Lawyer – Brighton and Hove City Council
✨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.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
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 Sussex Law Society, 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 Contracts and Procurement Lawyer – Brighton and Hove City Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Sussex Law Society, 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 Sussex Law Society and the specific role of Contracts and Procurement Lawyer – Brighton and Hove City Council. 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 Sussex Law Society’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sussex Law Society
✨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 Sussex Law Society.
✨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 Sussex Law Society.
