Contract and Procurement Solicitor 122180

JOB TITLE: Contract and Procurement Solicitor

REF: Luton 122180

Pay rate: £45.00 per hour PAYE

Contract Type: Temporary, Anticipated 6 months

Working Arrangement: Assume office based as no hybrid working provided

In order to apply for this role you will be a qualified Lawyer with experience of procurement and contract law matters, ideally in a local authority or large public sector organisation.

The role

On behalf of a local council, we are seeking a Contract Solicitor and Procurement to assist in the provision of an efficient, effective, and cost effective legal service to the Council, its Executive, Committees and Sub-Committees, and to Departments. You will provide customer focused, high quality and responsive specialist legal advice and to be responsible for a large legal caseload in particular in relation to all aspects of procurement and contract law matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to Council Officers and Members on complex matters to ensure decisions comply with law and governance.
• Advise on all legal issues relating to UK and EU contract and public procurement law, governance, and general Council matters.
• Independently handle a wide range of legal work, including drafting and negotiating legal documents (excluding conveyancing).
• Support projects by giving governance and procurement advice, drafting and negotiating contracts, and contributing to major initiatives.
• Keep clients informed of relevant legal developments and provide training where appropriate.
• Prepare and present reports, and give legal/procedural advice at Council meetings and committees.
• Exercise judgement on when to seek specialist legal input and instruct Counsel as approved by the Principal Solicitor (Litigation).

What the client is looking for

• Applicants must be Admitted Solicitors, Barristers or Fellows of CILEX qualified in England and, in the case of solicitors, hold (or be able to obtain) a current practising certificate.
• Significant experience of giving legal advice on and drafting straightforward and complex documentation relating to all contracts and procurement matters, related governance and other general legal matters affecting the Council.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of law and procedure relating to contracts, local government, public procurement and collaborative procurement with other public bodies.
• Experience of effectively managing resources to achieve value for money and provide a high quality service.
• Local Government Experience in undertaking Civil and/or Criminal litigation is desirable.
• Experience of Local Authority Constitutional Law is desirable.

How to Apply

• Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application.
• Submit your CV in Word format.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis-early submission is recommended.