Principal Contracts Solicitor

Swindon, United Kingdom Posted on 15/10/2026

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Job Description Principal Contracts Solicitor - 3 Month Contract

Local Authority 3 Month Contract

Location: Swindon

Contract: 3 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Summary

We are seeking an experienced Principal Contracts Solicitor to join a Local Authority Legal Services team for a temporary assignment. This senior position involves leading a team of legal professionals, offering expert legal advice, and providing strategic support on a wide array of commercial, contractual, governance, and public law issues. You will collaborate closely with senior officers, elected members, and the Chief Legal Officer to ensure the delivery of legal services that align with the organisation's strategic goals. The ideal candidate will possess strong legal expertise and proven leadership skills within a complex public sector setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of legal professionals to ensure efficient legal service delivery.
• Offer expert legal counsel on complex contracts, commercial, governance, and public law issues.
• Assist client departments in achieving strategic projects and organisational goals.
• Advise senior leaders, elected members, and stakeholders on legal risks and solutions.
• Support the Monitoring Officer in meeting statutory obligations.
• Promote and uphold effective governance practices across the organisation.
• Oversee team performance, service standards, budgets, and resources.
• Mentor, coach, supervise, and manage the performance of staff.
• Provide professional advice and management information to the Chief Legal Officer.
• Lead on complex legal matters and major projects as needed.
• Participate in public meetings, committees, and stakeholder forums.
• Foster effective working relationships with members, officers, external partners, and key stakeholders.
• Contribute to service improvement and continuous development initiatives.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a current practising certificate.
• Extensive experience in contracts, commercial law, and Local Government legal work.
• Proven track record in managing and leading legal teams.
• Strong understanding of governance, public law, and Local Authority decision-making.
• In-depth knowledge of legislation, policy, and regulatory frameworks relevant to Local Government.
• Experience advising senior officers, members, and executive leadership teams.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate complex legal matters clearly.
• Experience working within a large, politically sensitive organisation.
• Experience managing performance, resources, and service delivery.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.
• Extensive knowledge of Local Government law and democratic processes.
• Experience leading large-scale projects and transformation programmes.
• Strategic leadership experience within a Local Authority legal service.
• Experience managing budgets and resource planning.
• Strong knowledge of public procurement and commercial contracting matters.

Management Responsibility

• Direct management responsibility for approximately 5-10 staff.
• Leadership, supervision, development, and performance management of legal professionals.
• Responsibility for maintaining service quality, performance, and efficiency.

Additional

• Politically restricted post.
• Regular attendance at meetings, committees, and events may be required.
• Some evening work may be necessary to support service delivery.
• Opportunity to work closely with elected members and senior leadership teams.

What's on Offer

• 3 Month Contract
• Full-Time Hours
• Bi-Weekly Pay
• Senior leadership opportunity within Legal Services
• Varied and high-profile legal caseload
• Opportunity to influence governance and strategic decision-making
• Potential for contract extension

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Principal Solicitor, Head of Legal Services, Commercial Solicitor, Contracts Solicitor, Senior Solicitor, Principal Lawyer, Governance Lawyer, Public Sector Solicitor, Local Government Lawyer, or Legal Services Manager.