Professional Support Lawyer

DWF; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF in Leeds is seeking a Professional Support Lawyer to lead in commercial contract and data protection areas. You will work closely with various practices, leveraging AI tools to enhance legal insights. This role involves mentoring, conducting research, and developing training programs. Candidates should possess strong IT skills and ideally have five to seven years of solicitor experience. This is a hybrid position offering flexible working arrangements. DWF values diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five to seven years qualified as a solicitor or equivalent.
• Experience in commercial contracts, data protection, and public procurement law preferred.
• Ability to deliver high-quality written materials and reports.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development for legal materials.
• Identify training needs and deliver training sessions.
• Produce articles and newsletters for clients.

Skills

Experience in commercial contracts

Data protection knowledge

Excellent IT skills

Training delivery experience

Strong communication skills

Education

Solicitor qualification or equivalent

Job description

Why join us?

Step into a role at DWF that sits at the forefront of how modern legal knowledge is created, delivered, and transformed. As a Professional Support Lawyer within the commercial contract and data protection practice areas, you'll partner closely with our various practices and clients to shape the future of legal insight. You’ll enjoy hands-on exposure to cutting-edge AI tools and play a key role in how we harness them to develop, curate, and share knowledge across our teams. If you’re passionate about elevating legal excellence, driving innovation, and making a meaningful impact beyond traditional fee-earning, this is an opportunity to help lead the evolution of how we work and the value we deliver. The role is ideally suited to candidates based in one of our regional offices, including Manchester, Leeds or Birmingham with a flexible, hybrid working approach. Occasional travel is expected to our regional offices when required.

Responsibilities

A PSL is required to undertake work in Knowledge Management Know How, Research and Development, and Training for our Clients. Below is an outline of the focus areas PSLs will be expected undertake.

Know-how

• Identifying relevant cases and articles and disseminating to departments
• Updating the fee earning departments on key legal development
• Answering legal queries
• Identifying relevant consultation papers and preparing a response on behalf of the Firm
• Advising on use of AI tools

Research and Development

• Carrying out discrete research on points of law
• Collation and development of precedents, practice notes and working practices
• Producing and implementing procedures to help fee earners to achieve their goals, work efficiently, strive towards best practice in the delivery of legal services, comply with regulatory obligations and any practice/business management standards, etc.
• Advising management on legal and compliance issues in conjunction with the Risk Teams
• Managing or contributing to parts of the intranet and corporate site, information databases, online products and knowledge management systems in conjunction with Marketing and IT Teams.
• Innovation in research and development, process improvements/due diligence

Training

• Identifying training needs
• Mentoring: Working with lawyers and other PSLs to influence, mentor and manage their production of evidence-led, impact-driven, authentic and timely legal content
• Organising in-house training sessions and workshops using internal and external trainers/speakers and advising on content, structure and required outcomes in conjunction with the L&D Team
• Delivering training sessions to lawyers, paralegals and administrative staff
• Producing training materials

Client

• Producing articles, briefings and newsletters to clients, and suggesting topics for fee earners
• Arrange client training
• Deliver client training
• Attending and giving talks at external conferences/seminars
• Working on bids, tenders and client audits

What will help you succeed in this role?

Job Skills

• Ideally a minimum of five to seven years qualified as a solicitor, or equivalent, with experience in commercial contracts, and data protection and ideally with some knowledge of public procurement law
• Excellent IT skills
• Previous/current experience as a PSL/PSL; ideal but not essential
• Experience in the preparation and delivery of group training sessions; ideal but not essential

General Skills

• Demonstrates a high level of technical knowledge and experience
• Produces high quality written materials, reports and data
• Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Well organised, uses initiative, prioritises appropriately, applies self, shows attention to detail
• Manages own workload and meets deadlines
• Demonstrates financial and commercial awareness
• Seeks and maintains good business relationships with suppliers, agents and others
• Manages excellent internal client-focused services, adds value to the business
• Manages and develops others, motivates for optimum performance, promotes teamwork
• Demonstrates sound judgement and decision making skills
• Shows commitment, passion and enthusiasm for knowledge sharing and improving the ways in which the Firm and all its staff work together
• Reflects the Firm’s culture and values

What we offer?

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF. We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you’re excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About Us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.