Senior Associate - Government and Public Sector

DWF LLP; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF LLP in Liverpool is recruiting a Senior Associate to join our Government and Public Sector practice. You will advise central, devolved and local authorities on public law and commercial issues, with a focus on governance and subsidies, and contribute to major procurement and funding projects.

You will draft and review complex contracts, foster strong client relationships, and mentor junior lawyers while working in a collaborative, hybrid environment across our national team.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with public law and commercial experience.
• Experience advising on governance, procurement and subsidy control.
• Strong drafting and client-focused communication.

Responsibilities

• Advise public sector bodies on public law and commercial issues.
• Draft, review and advise on contracts including grant funding and procurement documents.
• Work with clients and contribute to developing long-term client relationships.
• Support business development and knowledge-sharing within the team.
• Effectively manage a varied caseload with competing deadlines while maintaining high service standards.
• Mentor junior lawyers and support their development.

Skills

Public sector law

Governance and vires

Contract drafting

Commercial advice

Client relationships

Mentoring juniors

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Solicitor qualification

Job description

Liverpool, with a flexible, hybrid working approach.

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 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.

What will help you succeed in this role?

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 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 minded and keen to understand clients' commercial and policy objectives.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues.
• A 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 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.

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 particularly recognised for our market-leading Subsidy Control and Public Procurement practices, advising government departments, Mayoral Combined Authorities, local authorities and private sector organisations on complex and high-profile funding programmes, procurements and regeneration projects nationwide. We would also consider a high-performing Senior Associate seeking their first Director appointment The role is ideally suited to candidates based in one of our regional offices, including Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, Birmingham or