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- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on commercial contracts and procurement for Torbay Council.
- Company: Join the award-winning Torbay Council, committed to community success and transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while supporting local communities.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor or barrister with at least 3 years PQE.
- Other info: Experience a supportive team culture with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 55437 - 58525 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 12 January 2026
Department: Corporate Services
Location: Torbay Council
Compensation: £55,437 - £58,525 / year
The salary includes a market supplement of £8,256 per year, reviewed annually. Torbay is breathtaking, captivating, and welcoming, occupying a prime position on the south coast of Devon. Currently experiencing unprecedented levels of investment and the Council’s own ambitious transformation programme, Torbay has the opportunity to capitalise on its profile and many assets. As a unitary authority, you’ll discover a place where you can make things happen quickly. We have real momentum building, fuelled by a shared sense of purpose and ambition – evident by being awarded the ‘Most Improved Council’ in the Local Government Chronicle Awards. We want Torbay and its residents to thrive and are committed to making a difference in our community, delivering high quality services to local people.
To complement this journey, we are now seeking a Senior Contracts/Commercial Lawyer to join our Legal Services Team to provide specialist legal advice, representation and assistance to the Council in all commercial, contract and procurement matters including major projects and infrastructure schemes. This varied role provides a platform to be actively involved, supporting key agendas pertinent to the success and prosperity of Torbay, its residents, businesses, and wider communities. No two days will be the same, which those already working within local government will attest to and actively thrive upon.
As a Senior Lawyer, you will be a suitably qualified professional with at least 3 years PQE; excited by a fast‑paced and varied caseload, conscientious, professionally curious and a role model to other team members. In return, you will join a supportive and rewarding organisation and team, where your talent will be valued and actively developed. Our biggest strength comes from our people, and we are excited for you to join us. We also understand the importance of an effective work‑life balance, therefore offer an enviable hybrid working approach, managed effectively around essential meetings and/or court appearances in line with the remit of the role. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work for an employer in a great period of change, seeing legal services as an enabler in pursuit of the highest standards and outcomes for its residents.
Benefits:
- A generous salary (to include market supplement)
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- A Career Average Re‑Valued Earnings (CARE) pension scheme through Peninsula Pensions
- Flexible working
- Paid professional subscription
- Learning and development opportunities
- A supportive management and team structure
- Family friendly policies
- Key skills relocation package
- Golden Hello opportunity
- A wide range of lifestyle discounts and health and wellbeing benefits
For an informal chat please contact Samantha Goodwin (samantha.goodwin@torbay.gov.uk) on 01803 207164 or Philip Taylor (Philip.taylor@torbay.gov.uk). Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 19th January 2026. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Our adverts do sometimes close early – even where there is a published deadline – so if you’re keen, please apply as soon as possible.
Skills:
- Highly effective communication & interpersonal skills
- Ability to give clear & accurate legal advice
- Analytical & problem solving skills
Knowledge:
- A high level of knowledge of the law & procedure within the specialist discipline
- A detailed knowledge of the law application to local government & public procurement legislation
- A general awareness of the policies, aims & objective of the council
Experience & Qualifications:
- Admitted & practising solicitor, barrister or Fellow of CILEX with at least 3 years post‑qualification experience
- Suitable training and experience as a legal advisor / advocate
- Experience of complex drafting work and contract negotiation
Senior Lawyer (Commercial/Contracts) - 37 hours in Torquay employer: Torbay Council
Contact Detail:
Torbay Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer (Commercial/Contracts) - 37 hours in Torquay
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field, especially those who work in local government. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn – you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Torbay Council and its recent projects. Show that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your enthusiasm for their mission and how your skills can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to reflect their values and needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your legal knowledge and problem-solving skills. You might face scenario-based questions during interviews, so brush up on your analytical abilities and think through how you’d handle real-life situations they might present.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Torbay Council and ready to make a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer (Commercial/Contracts) - 37 hours in Torquay
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role of Senior Lawyer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what Torbay Council is looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your expertise in commercial and contract law. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team right away.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your legal knowledge shines through without overwhelming us with unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your information correctly and gives you a chance to review everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at Torbay Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of local government law and public procurement legislation. Being able to discuss specific cases or examples where you've applied this knowledge will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also how it works in practice.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss complex legal issues you've tackled in the past. Think about how you approached these problems, what solutions you proposed, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to navigate challenges effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a Senior Lawyer, effective communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to get comfortable explaining legal concepts in layman's terms.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to contract negotiations or legal advice. Prepare by thinking through various scenarios and how you would handle them, showcasing your experience and judgement in real-world applications.
