Solicitor - Commercial & Public Sector

DWF; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF is seeking a Solicitor to join our Commercial & Public Sector team in Birmingham to advise on commercial contracts, public procurement and Subsidy Control matters. The role offers hybrid working and the chance to develop specialist expertise while engaging directly with clients on complex projects.

From day one you will contribute to strategic advice, collaborate with colleagues nationwide, and develop your profile through client-facing work and sector-focused training.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with experience in commercial contracts.
• Genuine interest in developing expertise in public procurement, grant funding and Subsidy Control law.
• Enthusiasm for client engagement, business development and building a profile within the public sector market.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Advise public and private sector organisations on a broad range of commercial and public sector matters, including public procurement, commercial contracts, grant funding arrangements and Subsidy Control compliance.
• 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 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.

Skills

Commercial contracts

Public procurement

Grant funding

Subsidy Control

Client engagement

Drafting

Negotiation

Team player

Education

Qualified solicitor

Job description

Why join us?

DWF is seeking a Solicitor to join our Commercial & Public Sector team. This is an exciting opportunity to build a specialist practice advising public and private sector clients on commercial contracts, public procurement, Subsidy Control and grant funding matters.

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.

This role offers the opportunity to work alongside leading practitioners while gaining early responsibility and direct client contact. From day one, you will be encouraged to engage directly with clients, attend meetings, contribute to strategic advice and play an active role in delivering solutions on complex and innovative projects.

We are committed to supporting our lawyers at every stage of their careers. You will receive extensive supervision, mentoring and technical development from experienced colleagues across our national team, together with regular opportunities to develop your profile through client-facing work, thought leadership, business development activities and sector-focused training.

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in commercial contracts and public sector work, combined with a desire to develop specialist expertise in public procurement, Subsidy Control and public funding within a supportive, ambitious and collaborative team.

The role is ideally suited to candidates based in Birmingham and offers a flexible hybrid working arrangement. However, applications from candidates based in our other regional offices, including Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Advise public and private sector organisations on a broad range of commercial and public sector matters, including public procurement, commercial contracts, grant funding arrangements and Subsidy Control compliance.
• 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 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.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential

• A qualified solicitor with experience in commercial contracts.
• A genuine interest in developing expertise in public procurement, grant funding and Subsidy Control law.
• Enthusiasm for client engagement, business development and building a profile within the public sector market.
• 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.
• Self-motivated and performance-driven, with a commitment to delivering high-quality legal advice.
• A team player with a collaborative approach and a willingness to learn.
• Motivated to develop skills and progress within a growing national practice.

Desirable

• Experience in public procurement, grant funding and/or Subsidy Control matters would be advantageous.

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. Our approach delivers efficiency, price certainty and transparency for our clients across the world without compromising on quality or service. Our purpose is to deliver positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities and we foster a culture that places our colleagues at the centre of all that we do.