Lawyer – Litigation / Contracts / Property

• Contract
• Hybrid

We are seeking a motivated and capable Lawyer to join our Legal Shared Service, offering an excellent opportunity to develop a career as a local authority lawyer. This role provides accelerated progression through grade PO1, subject to meeting the requirements outlined in our Accelerated Progression framework.

You will deliver high-quality, robust and specialist legal advice in one of the following practice areas:

• Litigation
• Procurement & Contracts
• Property

Working closely with partner councils, senior officers and elected Members, you will play a key role in supporting strategic objectives while ensuring legal compliance and value for money.

Key Responsibilities

As a Lawyer within the Legal Shared Service, you will:

• Take personal responsibility for the conduct of legal matters and the provision of expert legal advice in your specialist area (Litigation, Contracts or Property).
• Identify legal risk and liability, providing pragmatic, solution-focused advice to avoid, minimise or mitigate exposure.
• Deliver proactive legal advice and undertake detailed legal research across a wide range of council functions.
• Draft and review legal documentation to ensure client objectives are met efficiently and within legal constraints.
• Interpret and apply statute, case law, court procedure and government guidance to deliver timely and accurate advice.
• Support council departments by providing clear, practical guidance and legal support.
• Liaise effectively with council officers, councillors, external solicitors, counsel and members of the public, both verbally and in writing.
• Provide legal updates and briefings on relevant developments, particularly within the commercial sector.
• Manage and monitor external legal spend, ensuring effective use of public funds and generating income where appropriate.
• Deliver legal advice and transactions with significant financial implications, often involving matters valued at several million pounds.