Commercial and Projects Solicitor

North Yorkshire Council; Northallerton; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working with flexible hours

Hybrid home/office arrangement

Continuous learning & career growth

Generous leave and pension

Employee benefits discounts

Job summary

North Yorkshire Council is seeking an ambitious Commercial & Projects Solicitor to provide expert advice across commercial, procurement and governance matters within the Legal Service.

The role includes drafting contracts, advising on complex procurement projects, and supporting external clients through the Council’s legal services arm. A Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX qualification is required, with hybrid working and ongoing professional development offered.

Qualifications

• Qualified as a Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX.
• Experience in commercial and projects law.
• Strong research and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and negotiating contracts for supplies, services and works.
• Advising on complex procurement projects and procurement processes.
• Providing legal guidance on insourcing/outsourcing, IP, and governance matters.
• Support external clients via First North Law LLP.

Skills

Commercial Law

Legal Research

Legal Analysis

Clear Advice

Communication Skills

Education

Solicitor/Barrister/CILEX qualification

Job description

We are currently looking to recruit an ambitious and forward-thinking individual to work as a Commercial & Projects Solicitor within our successful legal service here at North Yorkshire Council.

If you have the relevant skills, drive and ambition to succeed, we want to hear from you!

About the team…

The Legal Service is part of Legal and Democratic Services (‘LDS’) within the Chief Executive’s Group. North Yorkshire Council provides a range of services to North Yorkshire, and the role of the Legal Service is to support that provision by providing a comprehensive and efficient legal service to the Directorates, the Council’s Executive, full Council, Committees and Members, and external clients. The nature of the work requires a flexible and versatile approach as it will change from time to time in response to the changing needs of the Council, and its developing initiatives. The postholder is required to work with colleagues and Members at every level within the organisation and with external clients and partners.

When taking up the post the postholder must hold a qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX.

The role

This is a varied and high-profile legal role, providing expert advice and support across a broad range of commercial, procurement and governance matters.

Responsibilities include

• drafting and negotiating contracts for supplies, services and works,
• advising on complex procurement projects that support regeneration and development, and providing guidance on contracts, grants, subsidy control and procurement processes.

The role also covers legal advice on insourcing and outsourcing arrangements, intellectual property matters, academisation and joint-use agreements, Council-owned companies and partnership models, while delivering specialist legal support to external clients through the Council’s wholly owned legal services company First North Law LLP.

You will

• Be part of a friendly and supportive team of professionals
• Have the opportunity work on high profile cases and to learn and develop in other disciplines within our service
• Have the ability to communicate effectively in orally and in writing to suit a range of audiences
• Have responsibility for your own caseload and be able to work independently

What you can bring

• Experience in Commercial & Projects Law
• Strong research and legal analysis skills
• The ability to provide clear legal advice on complex issues
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to work well in a team environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

We welcome applications from anyone qualified and looking for a new and interesting challenge.

What We Offer You

• A supportive, professional team environment where you’ll grow your career.
• We offer hybrid working with the option to work from home and flexible hours, helping you achieve a healthy work-life balance.
• We’re committed to your growth, offering continuous learning, career progression opportunities, and financial support for additional qualifications.
• We recognise the importance of family time and well-being, offering generous leave and additional benefits like paid volunteering leave.
• Enjoy the security of a robust pension plan designed for your future.
• Take advantage of our employee benefits scheme which includes discounts on shopping, home tech, green car schemes, and more!

You will also have access to a range of benefits such as a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working, excellent pension scheme, salary sacrifice car, cycle, technology and childcare schemes and a package of ‘Everybody Benefits’ shopping vouchers, discounts and more.

Please see our total rewards brochure for more information.

Contact

For an informal discussion and more information in relation to the role, please contact Jennifer Norton, Assistant Director Legal [e-mail]

Key Documents

Job description.pdf

Total Rewards brochure

Key Dates

Closing Date:15th November 2026

Interviews:Week Commencing23rd November