Procurement Solicitor - AR

Special Conditions

The post holder will need to demonstrate clear evidence of legal expertise, leadership by example, the taking of responsibility for standards of work, the finding of solutions to problems, the ability to inspire confidence in clients and colleagues and the exercise of sound and consistent judgement, and the awareness of and responsibility for resources.

Initial period of 3 months with possibility of extension (subject to requirements and performance)

Location of Post: Remote working acceptable

Job Purpose

To undertake legal work within the relevant functional area and to advise on legal matters; to act on the Council's instructions as a Solicitor; and where necessary and appropriate to represent the Council in Court and at Tribunals, hearings, mediations and inquiries.

The relevant functional area is Procurement, Contracts and general local Government matters. The work will include advising on Procurement, Contractual as well as other non-contentious Local Government law matters (including governance and decision making); drafting procurement documentation, contracts, statutory orders and other documentation; and carrying out any other legal work necessary for the performance of the legal Services functions

Duties and Responsibilities

Job Specific Requirements

1. To provide advice and draft appropriate legal documentation in relation to procurement, contract and non-contentious local government law matters

2. To provide advice and draft appropriate legal documentation in relation to other non-contentious law matters such as the law relating to, local government, highways, companies, trusts, waste, construction contracts. The work will include; advising on Contractual and Procurement law matters and other non-contentious Local Government law matters; drafting procurement documentation, contracts, statutory orders and other documentation; and carrying out any other legal work necessary for the performance of the legal Services functions.

3. To generally support the work of the Procurement team as may reasonably be required of you, commensurate with your grade or general level of responsibility within the organisation.

4. To provide legal advice on such matters as the Principal Solicitor and/or Director of Governance and Legal Services may direct from time to time as may reasonably be required of you, commensurate with your grade or general level of responsibility within the organisation.

5. Support the work of more senior legal staff and assist more junior staff on legal issues

6. Keep abreast of developments in the relevant areas of law.

7. Assist in the training of staff and clients on legal issues.

Corporate Requirements

1 To participate actively in supporting the principles and practice of equality of opportunity as stated in the Council's Equal Opportunities Policy.

2 To take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and other persons who may be affected by your acts or omissions and to comply with all health and safety legislation as appropriate.

3 To, as a statutory duty, adhere to the Council's Corporate Safeguarding Policy and associated policies and procedures and to report concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of children or adults at risk. In order to support you in this, you are required to access safeguarding training at the level which is relevant to this post

4 As a term of your employment, you may be required to undertake such other duties and/or times of work as may reasonably be required of you, commensurate with your grade or general level of responsibility within the organisation.

5 Whilst the Council is supportive of hybrid working, you will be required to work from various locations in accordance with the needs of the role.

Person Specification

Education & Training
Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or equivalent.

Holding current practising certificate or equivalent qualification with the ability to practice
Application Form & Certification where required.

Experience / Knowledge
Experience and knowledge of procurement law (particularly procurement act and public contract regulations) and drafting of contracts (standard forms and amending the same).

Knowledge and experience of local government, in particular but not limited to knowledge of governance and decision making within local government

Able to draft documents; carefully, methodically, with accuracy and in timely fashion.

Ability to deal with demanding clients and third parties. Post qualification experience of practising the functional area of law at the Grade and level of responsibility of the current post.

Experience and Knowledge of construction and waste matters and experience of procuring from/ using framework agreements is also desired.

Skills and Abilities

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

Flexibly as part of a team.

Good verbal and written communication skills.

Good drafting skills.

Able to work with low levels of supervision.

Ability to learn the relevant legislation within the functional area and apply the law accordingly to provide robust and sound legal advice.

Good IT skills (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, use of online legal library facilities and legal case management systems (ability to use and maintain files within such system). Ability to use docusign (or equivalent software) for completion of contracts.

Able to guide and supervise legal assistants and clerical staff Application Form, Interview.

Personal Attributes
Effective team member.

Commitment to high quality work.

Able to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.

Commitment to the Council's Equal Opportunities Policy.
Interview.