Senior Contracts Lawyer

Full time Civic Recruitment Limited United Kingdom

Posted On 27/05/2026

Job Information

Legal / Security / Law

City Northampton

Province Northamptonshire

Postal Code NN1

Job Description 3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality legal advice and support on a broad range of contractual, procurement, and commercial matters on behalf of the Council. The role will involve managing complex legal work, drafting and negotiating agreements, advising internal stakeholders, and ensuring legal compliance across commercial and contractual activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist legal advice on contracts, procurement, commercial transactions, and related local government matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, agreements, and legal documentation.
• Advise officers, senior managers, and departments on contractual risk, procurement regulations, and legal obligations.
• Support complex commercial projects and strategic initiatives across the Council.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, governance requirements, and Council policies.
• Manage a varied caseload independently, ensuring matters are progressed efficiently and within deadlines.
• Liaise with external solicitors, counsel, contractors, suppliers, and partner organisations where required.
• Assist with dispute resolution, claims management, and contractual negotiations.
• Provide legal input into procurement exercises and tendering processes.
• Support and mentor junior legal staff where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records and case management systems in line with service requirements.
• Contribute to service development, continuous improvement initiatives, and legal best practice.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with current practising certificate.
• Significant experience in contracts, procurement, and commercial law.
• Strong knowledge of local government legal frameworks and public procurement regulations.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex contractual documentation.
• Ability to manage a substantial and varied caseload independently.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience advising senior management and elected members where required.
• Proficient in legal case management systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Additional Information

• Hours per week: 37 hours
• Location: Northampton, West Northamptonshire