Legal Director - Government and Public Sector

DWF; North Tyneside; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF is recruiting an Associate or Senior Associate to join our Government and Public Sector practice. The role sits within a growing team known for expertise in subsidy control and public procurement and serves central government authorities, local and regional bodies, and related public institutions.

Based in one of our regional offices with a flexible hybrid pattern, you will advise on public law, draft and review subsidy arrangements, and mentor junior colleagues while building strong client

Qualifications

• Experience advising on Subsidy Control and grant funding.
• Experience advising central, devolved and local government authorities on public law and commercial issues.
• Strong understanding of central, regional and local government interactions with policy and delivery.
• Commercial, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Collaborative approach to client and team relationships.

Responsibilities

• Advise central and local government on public law, subsidy control and grant funding agreements.
• Support clients in delivering complex public sector projects and subsidy-related challenges.
• Provide high-quality, commercially focused advice with excellent client service.
• Line manage and support junior team members.
• Build and maintain internal and external relationships to sustain key client networks.

Job description

Why join us?

DWF are currently recruiting for an experienced Associate or Senior Associate to join our growing Government and Public Sector practice.

You will be joining an established and growing Government and Public Sector practice that is on key public sector frameworks and has a market‑leading reputation for quality especially in Subsidy Control and Public Procurement.

The team works for central government authorities, mayoral combined authorities and local authorities, R&D, education and health institutions, police authorities, charities, and key suppliers and institutions working with the public sector.

We are flexible on experience level and would welcome applications from both experienced Associates and Senior Associates. We would also consider a high‑performing Senior Associate seeking their first Director appointment.

The role is ideally suited to candidates based in one of our regional offices, including Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, Birmingham or Liverpool, with a flexible, hybrid working approach. We are also open to candidates based elsewhere within DWF’s UK footprint, including Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Advise public sector including central government and wider public bodies on public law and commercial issues including subsidy control law and review and draft grant funding agreements.
• Support clients in delivering complex public sector projects and developing solutions to subsidy‑related challenges.
• Deliver high‑quality, technically precise, and commercially focused advice to clients with an excellent level of service.
• Line manage and support more junior members in the team.
• Build working relationships internally and externally in order to maintain key client relationships and develop business networks.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential

• Experience of advising on Subsidy Control and grant funding.
• Substantive experience advising central, devolved and local and regional government authorities (and those engaging with them) on public law and commercial issues.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the inner workings of central, regional and local government bodies and the interaction of politics, public policy and delivery.
• Commercially minded with excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• A collaborative approach to building and developing relationships with clients and colleagues.

Desirable

• Previous experience in house within the public sector or Government Legal Department would be an advantage.

What we offer?

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.

We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About Us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.