Senior Associate - Government and Public Sector

DWF; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF is seeking an experienced Senior Associate to join our Government and Public Sector team in Leeds, with a flexible hybrid working approach. The role focuses on public law and procurement matters for central, regional and local government clients, delivering high-quality, commercially focused legal advice.

You will advise on governance and vires, draft and negotiate complex contracts, and mentor junior lawyers while developing enduring client relationships across DWF's national practice.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with government experience in public law and commercial matters.
• Experience advising central, devolved and local government authorities.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage client relationships and cross-team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Advise public sector bodies on public law and commercial issues including governance and vires/powers for central government and local government organisations.
• Draft, review and advise on a range of complex contracts, including grant funding agreements and public procurement documents.
• Work directly with clients and contribute to the development of long-term client relationships.
• Collaborate with colleagues nationally across DWF's Commercial team.
• Support business development initiatives and knowledge-sharing within the team.
• Effectively manage a varied caseload, prioritising deadlines while maintaining high service standards.
• Continuously develop technical expertise and market knowledge in public procurement law and subsidy control.
• Deliver high-quality, precise and commercially focused advice to clients.
• Mentor junior lawyers and support their development.

Skills

Public law

Governance knowledge

Drafting & negotiation

Client relationship building

Collaboration

Self-motivated

Education

Solicitor qualification

Job description

Why join us?

DWF are currently recruiting for an experienced Senior Associate to join our growing Government and Public Sector practice. Our team is recognised nationally for its work across the public sector and is at the forefront of some of the UK's most significant procurement, regeneration and public funding projects.

We are flexible on experience level and would welcome applications from both experienced Associates and Senior Associates.

Responsibilities

• Advise public sector bodies on public law and commercial issues including governance and vires/ powers for central government and local government organisations in particular.
• Draft, review and advise on a range of complex contracts, including grant funding agreements and public procurement documents.
• Work directly with clients and contribute to the development of long-term client relationships.
• Collaborate with colleagues nationally across DWF's Commercial team.
• Support business development initiatives and knowledge-sharing within the team.
• Effectively manage a varied caseload, prioritising competing deadlines while maintaining exceptional client service standards.
• Continuously develop technical expertise and market knowledge, keeping abreast of developments in public procurement law, Subsidy Control and public funding.
• Deliver high-quality, technically precise and commercially focused advice to clients, providing an excellent level of service.
• Play a hands-on role in mentoring junior lawyers and supporting their development.

The role is ideally suited to candidates based in one of our regional offices, including Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, Birmingham or Liverpool, with a flexible, hybrid working approach.

We would also consider a high‑performing Senior Associate seeking their first Director appointment.

Essential

• A qualified solicitor with experience advising central, devolved and local and regional government authorities (and those engaging with them) on public law and commercial issues including governance and vires/ powers for central government and local government organisations in particular.
• Proven experience advising on public law risk, governance structures and procurement matters.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the inner workings of central, regional and local government bodies and the interaction of politics, public policy and delivery (NB. in house public sector experience is an advantage).
• Strong drafting and written communication skills, with the confidence to negotiate.
• Commercially minded and keen to understand clients’ commercial and policy objectives.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Collaborative approach to building and developing relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Self‑motivated and performance‑driven, with a commitment to delivering high‑quality legal advice.

Desirable

• Previous experience in house within the public sector or Government Legal Department would be an advantage.
• Experience in subsidy control is beneficial.

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.

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.