Commercial Lawyer

East Midlands Combined County Authority; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional authority in Chesterfield is looking for a qualified Lawyer to provide high-quality legal advice in a fast-paced environment. The role requires expertise in contract drafting, governance support, and collaboration with stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have experience in public-sector legal matters and strong communication skills. This is a permanent position with opportunities to impact regional devolution and work within a values-led organization.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering high-quality legal advice in a professional environment.
• Experience drafting and reviewing complex legal documents.
• Ability to interpret legal frameworks and apply them to practical casework.

Responsibilities

• Providing high-quality legal advice across commercial and governance activity.
• Drafting and negotiating contracts and legal documentation.
• Advising on governance, decision-making, and constitutional matters.

Skills

Public service values

Legal advice delivery

Contract drafting

Governance support

Strong communication skills

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Barrister

Job description

Reports to: Principal Lawyer

Location: East Midlands

Contract: Permanent

Political Restriction: This post is politically restricted

About EMCCA

We exist to deliver long-term, systemic impact for the East Midlands. Created by and for our people, businesses and places, EMCCA works through partnership, collaboration and systems leadership to make our region more prosperous, sustainable and fairer.

As a growing Combined County Authority at the heart of the national devolution agenda, we are building strong governance and legal foundations to support ambitious regional programmes and public value.

The Role

We are seeking a Lawyer to join EMCCA’s Legal & Democratic Services team, providing high-quality, practical legal advice across a broad and evolving portfolio.

Working closely with the Principal Lawyer and wider legal team, you will support the delivery of legal services that underpin EMCCA’s operational and strategic priorities. This is a varied and influential role, involving contract drafting, legal advice, governance support and collaboration with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

You’ll work in a fast-paced environment where professionalism, discretion and sound legal judgement are essential.

Areas of Practice

The role will support one of the following service areas, depending on experience and organisational need:

• Strategy, Infrastructure & Growth – regeneration, grant-making, procurement and subsidy control
• Strategy & Policy / Governance – strategic decision-making, constitutional compliance and governance frameworks
• Resourcing – education, employment, litigation, workforce matters and governance support
• Place Agenda – housing, land, property, planning, transport and major regeneration projects

What You’ll Be Doing

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing timely, high-quality legal advice across EMCCA’s commercial and governance activity
• Drafting and negotiating contracts, agreements and legal documentation
• Supporting procurement, grant-making and subsidy control compliance
• Advising on governance, decision-making powers and constitutional matters
• Supporting regeneration, infrastructure, housing and place-based initiatives
• Assisting with dispute resolution, litigation management and risk mitigation
• Supporting Board, committee and senior officer meetings as required
• Ensuring compliance with corporate governance, procurement regulations and data protection
• Maintaining accurate records using the legal case management system
• Building strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams and external partners

What We’re Looking For

You’ll be a qualified lawyer with strong public-service values and the ability to deliver clear, practical advice.

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister entitled to practise in England and Wales
• Experience delivering high-quality legal advice in a professional environment
• Experience drafting and reviewing complex legal documents
• Ability to interpret legal and policy frameworks and apply them to practical casework
• Experience working collaboratively with internal clients and external stakeholders
• Strong written communication skills and professional judgement
• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development
• Experience in housing, transport, regeneration or economic development law
• Knowledge of local government law, devolution frameworks or public-sector governance
• Experience working in large or complex organisations

Political Restriction

This post is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended). The postholder must not hold any active political role, either in or outside of work.

Our Values

We are a values-led organisation, guided by four core principles:

• Lifting our region – acting for the wider good
• Working together – building strong, inclusive partnerships
• Making an impact – turning ideas into action
• Being human – valuing diversity, authenticity and connection

These values shape our culture, our behaviours and how we deliver for our region.

Why Join EMCCA?

• A high-impact legal role at the centre of regional devolution
• Exposure to complex, meaningful public-sector work
• A collaborative, professional and values-driven environment
• The opportunity to help shape the future of the East Midlands