Senior Associate - Government and Public Sector

DWF Law LLP; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF is recruiting an experienced Senior Associate to join our Government and Public Sector practice across regional offices with a flexible, hybrid working approach.

The role focuses on advising central, devolved and local authorities on public law and commercial issues, drafting complex contracts and supporting client relationships nationwide. Public procurement and subsidy control knowledge is valued.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with experience advising central, devolved and local and regional government authorities on public law and commercial issues.
• Strong drafting and written communication skills, with the confidence to negotiate.
• Experience in public procurement, risk and governance structures.
• Knowledge of how politics, policy and delivery interact in public sector bodies.
• Desirable: in-house public sector experience and subsidy control knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Advise public sector bodies on public law and commercial issues including governance and vires/powers for central, regional and local authorities.
• Draft, review and advise on complex contracts, grant funding agreements and procurement documents.
• Develop long-term relationships with clients and collaborate with colleagues across the national team.
• Support business development initiatives and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Mentor junior lawyers and contribute to their development.
• Manage a varied caseload with competing deadlines while maintaining high service standards.
• Keep abreast of developments in public procurement law, subsidy control and public funding.
• Deliver high-quality, commercially focused advice to clients.

Skills

Public sector law

Governance & vires

Contract drafting

Public procurement

Client relationship management

Negotiation skills

Team mentoring

Policy knowledge

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

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 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.
• 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 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.