Senior Contracts Lawyer – 3 Month Contract

Location: 255-259 High Road, Ilford, Greater London, IG1 1NN
Rate: £378.73 per day (Umbrella)
Contract: 3 Month Contract
Hours: Full Time
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 1 to 2 Days Per Week in the Office
Pay: Bi-Weekly

Summary

We are seeking a seasoned Senior Contracts Lawyer to join a Local Authority's legal team on a temporary 3-month contract. This role involves providing expert advice on procurement, contracts, and governance for a variety of high-value and intricate projects. The successful candidate will serve as a senior legal advisor on public procurement and contractual issues, offering support to officers and senior stakeholders within the Council. Ensuring adherence to procurement laws, local government authority, and governance standards is a key aspect of this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex procurement and contract issues across Council services.
  
• Offer specialized legal counsel on:
  • Public Procurement
    
  • Contract Law
    
  • Local Government Powers
    
  • Governance
    
  • Joint Working Arrangements
    
  • Public Sector Partnerships
    
• Draft, negotiate, and finalize a diverse range of commercial contracts and procurement documents.
  
• Advise on the procurement of goods, services, and works.
  
• Support strategic projects and transformation initiatives.
  
• Provide guidance on procurement routes, tender processes, framework agreements, and contract award procedures.
  
• Offer legal support for collaborative arrangements with public sector partners.
  
• Prepare and review Council policies and governance documents related to procurement and contracts.
  
• Keep clients updated on legislative and regulatory changes.
  
• Deliver training and guidance to Members, officers, and stakeholders.
  
• Advise on Cabinet, Committee, and governance reports.
  
• Attend meetings to provide legal advice and support.
  
• Prepare instructions for Counsel and attend conferences as needed.
  
• Manage relationships with external solicitors and specialist advisors when required.
  
• Assist the Chief Legal Officer in developing and managing the contracts workstream.
  

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with a current practising certificate.
  
• Extensive experience in advising on:
  • Public Procurement Law
    
  • Commercial Contracts
    
  • Local Authority Contracting Arrangements
    
• Comprehensive understanding of:
  • UK Procurement Legislation
    
  • Public Contract Regulations
    
  • Governance
    
  • Administrative Law
    
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating complex contract documentation.
  
• Experience advising senior officers and stakeholders on procurement strategy and contract management.
  
• Experience working on high-value and complex commercial projects.
  
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
  
• Ability to independently manage a complex caseload.
  
• Strong stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.
  

Desirable

• Experience in Local Government legal matters.
  
• Experience in delivering procurement training.
  
• Experience preparing Cabinet and Committee reports.
  
• Experience supporting shared services and public sector partnership arrangements.
  
• Experience managing external legal advisers and consultants.
  

What's on Offer?

• £378.73 per day (Umbrella)
  
• 3 Month Contract
  
• Hybrid Working
  
• 1-2 Days Per Week Office Attendance
  
• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to advise on high-profile procurement and commercial projects.
  
• Exposure to strategic Local Authority programmes and partnerships.
  
• Senior-level role within a dynamic and supportive legal team.
  

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Senior Contracts Lawyer, Procurement Lawyer, Commercial Contracts Solicitor, Commercial Lawyer, Principal Contracts Lawyer, Local Government Solicitor, Senior Legal Counsel, or Public Procurement Specialist.