At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage commercial contracts and provide legal advice in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Yorkshire Water, a leading water utility company in the heart of Yorkshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a fantastic benefits package.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Legal qualifications and experience in commercial law are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Company description: Water Utility Company based in Yorkshire region of England.
We offer a salary from £45,000 - £55,000 per annum dependant on experience.
- Structured development opportunities in line with the Commercial Lawyer progression plan
- Annual performance related bonus
- Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution)
- Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus two wellness days!
- A great benefits package choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover.
- Retail savings scheme
- Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more!
Where I'd work: Leeds Valley Park with a hybrid working arrangement in place, a mix of office and home working.
Work type: This is a fixed term role for 12 months, you will be working full time. You will be expected to work 37 hours per week within a working window of 8:00am-6:00pm Monday to Friday.
What we do: Here in Yorkshire, we make sure that over 5.4 million people living in the region and the millions of people who visit our region each year can rely on our services, and have clean and safe drinking water on tap and that their wastewater is taken away. We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshire's water, today, tomorrow 24/7, 365 days a year. We provide essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region, and play a key role in the region's health, wellbeing, and prosperity.
New environmental legislation, unprecedented levels of investment and changing expectations from customers means that this is an exciting time to discover opportunities within the water industry.
Where you fit in: In this role, you will manage a portfolio of commercial contracts/advice files of varying complexity and value and will ensure that colleagues' requests for advice are dealt with in a timely and accurate manner. You will undertake matters on behalf of the business within your field of knowledge and experience either independently or delegated to you by other members of the team. You will be supervised as appropriate by the Senior Commercial Solicitor. The successful candidate will provide competent, commercial legal advice, guiding colleagues through legal issues, becoming a credible, trusted and respected voice. Ensuring that all of our duties, functions and activities are conducted within a sound commercial and legal framework. You will undertake legal work primarily of a commercial/contractual nature. However, the work of the commercial team is very broad and other areas which are relevant to the role include:
- Commercial Contracts (drafting, negotiating, advising)
- Regulated procurement (Procurement Act 2023 as it applies to utilities)
- Commercial disputes
- Construction law
- Competition Law
- Infrastructure Projects
- Data protection
- TUPE
- IT
- IP
- Health & Safety
- Regulatory law
You do not have to be an expert in all areas and there is the opportunity to specialise within the team to a degree, depending on your skills and interests. We are looking for an ambitious, forward-thinking individual who is willing to continually develop and try new things, with an emphasis on embracing new areas of Law.
What skills & qualifications you will need: The successful candidate will have appropriate legal qualifications (a law degree or a graduate diploma in law (GDL)). It would be advantageous if you are qualified as a lawyer entitled to practise in England (either as a Chartered Legal Executive or Solicitor). Ideally, you will have relevant commercial legal experience from either private or in-house legal practice. You will have experience in at least one of the following areas of law: commercial contracts, construction, public procurement, competition law, data protection, and/or projects/PFI. You will be able to work both independently and collaboratively, building up effective working relationships with your key stakeholders. You will be highly organised, able to manage your own caseload. You will be able to learn quickly and to act autonomously, within a supportive environment. You will have the enthusiasm and willingness to challenge both yourself and your colleagues. As our colleagues are based throughout Yorkshire, a full, valid UK driving licence is required for this role.
If you're an experienced lawyer/legal professional and want to help us deliver exceptional service for our customers whilst protecting the environment, then apply today to find out what a career with Yorkshire Water can offer for you.
Please upload an up-to-date copy of your CV along with a cover statement outlining your relevant experience for the role.
Recruitment Process: Closing Date: 11th September, 2026. If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check, carried out through a Third-Party Company, prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the security vetting process for either a Counter Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance. All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required. We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible. If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that requires changes to the recruitment process, please include this information in your application. We will then discuss any reasonable adjustments required. Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible. No agencies please.
Commercial Lawyer in Bradford employer: Yorkshire Water
Yorkshire Water is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets sustainability in the wastewater sector. With a strong commitment to employee development and a comprehensive benefits package, team members are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to vital environmental initiatives. Located in a region known for its natural beauty, employees enjoy a supportive culture that values health and safety, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Lawyer in Bradford
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like Yorkshire Water.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Yorkshire Water does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like Yorkshire Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Lawyer in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Yorkshire Water and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Yorkshire Water
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Commercial Lawyer role at Yorkshire Water. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Yorkshire Water.
