Senior Contracts Lawyer

i-Jobs; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

A legal services provider in Greater London is seeking a Senior Contracts Lawyer to manage and deliver complex contract and procurement legal work for the Council. The ideal candidate will be a Qualified Solicitor or equivalent, with extensive experience in public sector law and the ability to provide clear legal advice to senior stakeholders. This role offers a pay rate of £34.74 per hour with a contract duration of over six months, requiring attendance at the office a minimum of two days a week.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in contract and procurement law within a local authority or public sector.
• Proven ability to manage complex legal caseloads at a senior level.
• Strong knowledge of public sector contracts, procurement regulations, and partnership arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver complex contract and procurement legal work.
• Provide legal advice on public sector contracts and procurement.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts and agreements.
• Support and supervise staff within the Contracts Team.
• Deliver training on legal matters to Members and Officers.

Skills

Strong drafting skills

Ability to manage complex legal caseloads

Experience supervising junior legal staff

Ability to provide clear legal advice

Strong knowledge of public sector contracts

Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX

Job description

Senior Contracts Lawyer

Location: 1 Catford Road, Catford, London, SE6 4RU

Start Date: ASAP

Contract Duration: 6+ Months

Working Hours: Mon – Fri, 09 : 00 – 17 : 00

Pay Rate: £ 34.74 Per Hour

Job Ref: OR21542

Job Responsibilities

Manage and deliver complex contract and procurement legal work within the Council.

Deputise for the Principal Lawyer as required.

Provide legal advice on public sector contracts, joint commissioning, partnerships, and procurement matters.

Draft, review, and negotiate complex and specialist contracts and agreements.

Support and supervise staff within the Contracts Team, including day-to-day management where required.

Provide legal advice to Members and Officers, including attendance at Committees when necessary.

Draft and review committee reports, ensuring legal compliance and risk awareness.

Advise on public–private partnership arrangements and service-level agreements.

Support policy development and implementation of new legislation affecting contract law.

Handle Ombudsman matters related to service areas covered.

Deliver training and guidance to Members and Officers on legal matters as required.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and best practice.

Assist with audits, inspections, and external reviews of Council services.

Promote the Legal Services function and maintain positive client relationships.

Person Specification

Must-Have Requirements

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX (or equivalent professional competence).

Substantial experience in contract and procurement law within a local authority or public sector environment.

Proven ability to manage complex legal caseloads at a senior level.

Strong knowledge of public sector contracts, procurement regulations, and partnership arrangements.

Experience of supervising and supporting junior legal staff.

Ability to provide clear, accurate, and practical legal advice to senior stakeholders.

Strong drafting skills, including complex and non-standard legal documentation.

Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities effectively.

Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion principles.

Willingness to attend the office at least two days per week.

Nice-to-Have Requirements

Experience of advising committees and elected Members.

Experience of delivering training or presentations to non-legal audiences.

Involvement in service improvement initiatives or change management.

Experience of working with external partners, auditors, or inspectors.

DISCLAIMER: By applying for this vacancy, you consent to your personal information being shared with our client and any relevant third parties we engage with, for the purpose of assessing your suitability specific organizations or hirers to whom you do not wish your details to be disclosed.