Government and Public Sector Legal Director

BCL Legal; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international law firm is seeking a Legal Director for their Government & Public Sector practice in Birmingham. The role entails advising public sector clients on complex legal issues and managing junior staff. Ideal candidates will have extensive public law experience and strong stakeholder management skills. This firm offers a supportive culture, clear progression opportunities, and a competitive compensation package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working

Supportive team culture

Clear progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience advising public sector clients on governance and regulatory matters.
• Commercial awareness and strong stakeholder management skills required.
• Experience in subsidy control/public procurement is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Advise public sector bodies on public law and commercial issues.
• Lead major matters involving government organisations.
• Manage and mentor junior colleagues and contribute to team development.
• Collaborate with other practice areas for integrated advice.

Skills

Public law expertise

Stakeholder management

Regulatory advice

Mentoring junior lawyers

Education

Qualified solicitor status

Job description

Overview

Government & Public Sector Legal Director | Leading International Firm | Birmingham / Hybrid Working

BCL Legal is delighted to be working with a prominent international law firm in their search for a Legal Director to join their growing Government and Public Sector practice in Birmingham. This is a strategic hire within a highly regarded team acting on some of the most high-profile public law and regulatory work in the UK.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a Legal Director - or a seasoned Senior Associate ready for promotion - to work at the heart of government-related legal work, advising public bodies and those engaging with them on a wide range of complex and meaningful matters.

The Opportunity

This is a chance to join a nationally recognised Government & Public Sector team with access to top-tier public sector frameworks and an impressive client base across central and local government, mayoral combined authorities, healthcare, education, and R&D institutions.

You will play a leading role in delivering sophisticated, commercially-focused advice to government clients while contributing to the strategic growth and mentoring within the team.

What You'll Be Doing

• Advising public sector bodies on key public law and commercial issues, including governance, vires/powers, grant funding, and subsidy control.
• Acting as a lead advisor on major matters involving central, devolved, and local government organisations.
• Supporting clients across a range of public sector institutions, including health, education, and infrastructure.
• Managing and mentoring junior colleagues and supporting team development.
• Collaborating closely with other practice areas to deliver integrated advice across procurement, regulatory, and commercial issues.
• Working flexibly, typically 2-3 days per week in the Birmingham office as part of a hybrid model.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Is an experienced public law solicitor, ideally at Legal Director level (or a Senior Associate with the right expertise looking to step up).
• Has strong experience advising public sector clients on governance, vires/powers, and regulatory matters.
• Brings knowledge of central and local government operations, with an understanding of the intersection between law, politics, and public policy.
• Has experience in subsidy control and/or public procurement (desirable but not essential).
• Demonstrates commercial acumen and excellent stakeholder management.
• Enjoys mentoring junior lawyers and contributing to team growth.
• Has previous in-house public sector or Government Legal Department experience (advantageous but not essential).

Why Join This Firm?

This is a standout opportunity to join one of the UK's most respected public sector practices. You'll benefit from:

• High-quality, impactful work with central and local government clients.
• A supportive and collaborative team culture.
• Clear scope for progression, including a route to partnership for the right candidate.
• A modern, flexible approach to hybrid working.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.

Interested?

To apply for this Legal Director - Government & Public Sector position in Birmingham, click below or get in touch with Angharad Warren at BCL Legal for a confidential conversation.

BCL Legal is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.