Principal Commercial Lawyer

Venn Group - Birmingham; West Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent local authority legal service in the UK is seeking a Principal Lawyer for Contracts and Commercial. The role involves managing a complex caseload, advising on public sector procurement law, and supporting high-value projects. Ideal candidates are qualified solicitors or barristers with experience in public procurement law, capable of working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. This position offers hybrid working arrangements, a strong benefits package, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

28.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Family-friendly and flexible working policies

Health and wellbeing support

Travel and cycle benefits

Qualifications

• Experienced in public sector procurement law.
• Comfortable handling complex commercial matters with minimal supervision.
• Interest in developing leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage own complex commercial and procurement caseload.
• Advise on UK public sector procurement law and strategy.
• Draft and negotiate complex commercial contracts.
• Support high-value local authority projects.

Skills

Public sector procurement law

Complex commercial matters handling

Collaboration with non-legal colleagues

Education

Qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX lawyer

Job description

Principal Lawyer – Contracts and Commercial

£51,356 – £56,494 + £3,000 market supplement

This is a senior commercial role within a large, well-established local authority legal service, working on complex, high-value public sector projects with real-world impact.

The role combines technically demanding work with the opportunity to support and guide other lawyers, without requiring prior formal management experience.

The team

You’ll join a specialist Contracts and Commercial team within a wider in-house legal service. The team works closely with procurement colleagues and internal stakeholders across the organisation, advising on a broad range of commercial and governance-heavy matters.

It’s a supportive, down-to-earth team environment, with a strong focus on collaboration and practical problem-solving.

The role

You’ll manage your own complex commercial and procurement caseload and play a role in supporting other senior lawyers and helping the team operate effectively day to day. The work includes:

• Advising on UK public sector procurement law and strategy
• Drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts, including ICT and construction
• Supporting high-value and high-profile local authority projects
• Advising on governance, local government law and procedure
• Working on matters such as PFI and academy transfers, TUPE, waste and partnership arrangements
• Providing informal supervision and technical guidance to other lawyers

Who this role suits

• A qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX lawyer
• Experienced in public sector procurement law
• Comfortable handling complex commercial matters with minimal supervision
• Interested in developing leadership skills, even if you haven’t formally managed before
• Collaborative, pragmatic and confident working with non-legal colleagues

Working arrangements and benefits

• Hybrid working with high levels of flexibility
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• 28.5 days annual leave, rising to 32.5 days after five years, plus bank holidays
• Family-friendly and flexible working policies
• Health and wellbeing support
• Travel and cycle benefits

For more information

Contact Nik Stoate at Venn Group [e-mail]