Senior Associate - Government and Public Sector

DWF; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF is seeking an experienced Senior Associate to join our Government and Public Sector practice in the UK. The role focuses on high-profile procurement, regeneration and public funding projects across government bodies and authorities.

You will work with national colleagues to deliver technically precise, commercially minded advice while mentoring junior lawyers and supporting business development. Hybrid working is offered across regional offices including Manchester.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with experience advising central, devolved and local government on public law and commercial issues.
• Strong drafting and written communication skills with negotiation confidence.
• Commercially minded and able to understand clients’ objectives.

Responsibilities

• Advise public sector bodies on public law and commercial issues, governance and vires/powers.
• Draft, review, and advise on contracts, including grant funding and procurement documents.
• Develop long-term client relationships and collaborate with national colleagues.
• Support business development and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Manage a varied caseload with deadlines while delivering high-quality service.
• Mentor junior lawyers and support their development.

Skills

Public sector law

Governance

Drafting skills

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 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.

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.

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.