Procurement Litigation Solicitor / Senior Solicitor

William James Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

William James Recruitment represents a respected Legal 500 UK law firm seeking a Senior / Principal Associate Solicitor to join its Manchester Commercial Procurement Litigation team. The role focuses on procurement disputes for public sector bodies, contracting authorities, utilities and private sector clients.

Hybrid working in Manchester City Centre with a proactive, client‑facing practice and clear progression path.

Qualifications

• Strong technical expertise in procurement litigation and public sector disputes.
• Experience in handling high-value contentious procurement matters.
• Understanding of procurement regulations and judicial review processes.
• Commercially focused advice tailored to client objectives.
• Experience in relationship management and developing long-term client partnerships.
• Contributes to business development and team growth.
• Strong drafting, advocacy and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the continued growth and development of a specialist Commercial Procurement Litigation practice.
• Build and strengthen client relationships across both public and private sector organisations.
• Take an active role in securing and developing new procurement-related instructions.
• Contribute to the strategic growth of the team and wider disputes practice.
• Advise clients on procurement disputes, challenges and remedies arising under public procurement legislation.
• Represent contracting authorities, utilities providers, bidders and suppliers in contentious procurement matters.
• Handle matters involving framework agreements, tender evaluations, contract awards, exclusions and procurement compliance.
• Work closely with colleagues across commercial, projects, infrastructure and public sector teams.
• Support and mentor junior lawyers within the team, promoting a collaborative culture.
• Maintain responsibility for financial performance, matter management and delivery against business objectives.
• Contribute to thought leadership, client training and wider market engagement activities.

Skills

Procurement litigation

Public sector disputes

Client relationship management

Drafting

Negotiation

Advocacy

Job description

Senior / Principal Associate Commercial Procurement Litigation - Manchester City Centre with Hybrid Working - Competitive Salary + Bonus + Benefits

A highly regarded Legal 500 UK law firm is seeking a Senior / Principal Associate Solicitor to join its specialist Commercial Procurement Litigation team in Manchester. The team advises public sector bodies, contracting authorities, utilities providers and private sector organisations on complex procurement disputes and challenges. With increasing demand in this area, the firm is looking to strengthen its offering through the appointment of an experienced lawyer capable of advising on high‑profile and strategically important procurement matters.

The Role:

• Support the continued growth and development of a specialist Commercial Procurement Litigation practice
• Build and strengthen client relationships across both public and private sector organisations
• Take an active role in securing and developing new procurement‑related instructions
• Contribute to the strategic growth of the team and wider disputes practice
• Advise clients on procurement disputes, challenges and remedies arising under public procurement legislation
• Represent contracting authorities, utilities providers, bidders and suppliers in contentious procurement matters
• Handle matters involving framework agreements, tender evaluations, contract awards, exclusions and procurement compliance
• Work closely with colleagues across commercial, projects, infrastructure and public sector teams
• Support and mentor junior lawyers within the team, promoting a collaborative culture
• Maintain responsibility for financial performance, matter management and delivery against business objectives
• Contribute to thought leadership, client training and wider market engagement activities

The Candidate:

• Demonstrates strong technical expertise in procurement litigation and public sector disputes
• Experienced in handling complex and high‑value contentious procurement matters
• Possesses a strong understanding of procurement regulations and judicial review processes
• Delivers pragmatic and commercially focused advice tailored to client objectives
• Experienced in relationship management and developing long‑term client partnerships
• Contributes to business development initiatives and supports wider team growth
• An effective communicator with strong drafting, advocacy and negotiation skills
• A qualified Solicitor operating at Senior Associate or Principal Associate level within Procurement Litigation, Public Procurement or Commercial Litigation