Principal Lawyer - Contracts and Commercial

Hangingheaton; Kirklees; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent legal practice in Kirklees seeks a Principal Lawyer to manage complex caseloads involving local government law and commercial contracts. The ideal candidate is a qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in UK Public Procurement law and other specified legal areas. This role offers significant opportunities for professional development, a supportive team environment, and attractive benefits including hybrid working arrangements and a strong pension scheme.

Benefits

28.5 days annual leave increasing to 32.5 after 5 years

Cycle to work scheme

Travel and parking discounts

Exceptional maternity and paternity leave policies

Local Government Pension

Access to Employee Healthcare

Qualifications

• Qualification as a Solicitor or Barrister with a current practising certificate.
• Experience in Commercial Contracts and UK Public Procurement law.
• Experience in at least two other specified areas of law.

Responsibilities

• Manage your own complex caseload on local government law and procedure.
• Provide legal advice on contracts, public procurement, and other commercial matters.
• Supervise other senior lawyers in the team.

Skills

Commercial Contracts

UK Public Procurement law

Local Government Law and Procedure

Company Law/Joint Ventures/Partnerships

PPPs / PFI / Academy Conversions

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Barrister

Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives

Job description

Principal Lawyer – Contracts and Commercial

Do you want to make a difference to local people? As one of the largest legal practices in the area, our dedicated Legal Service teams strive to get the best outcomes for people in Kirklees.

Team

The Contracts and Commercial Team are one of the specialist teams within Kirklees Legal Services. Working closely with the Council’s procurement team, we provide legal services on a wide range of commercial matters including drafting and advising on contracts, grant agreements and the like. This includes working on high‑value, high‑profile and prestigious projects.

The Role

You will play a key role in ensuring robust governance and delivering high quality legal advice. You will be expected to manage your own complex caseload on matters including local government law and procedure, contracts (including ICT and construction) public procurement, PFI Academy transfers and expiry, TUPE, waste management and other commercial/partnership work, with the ability and experience of drafting complex documentation to support Local Authority projects. You will also supervise other senior lawyers in the team.

This is a great opportunity to develop both your technical and your leadership skills. We are looking for someone with a positive approach who enjoys working as part of a team. You will be supported by our Senior Lawyers and Business Support team.

Development

If you are ambitious to develop your skills and knowledge in legal services and want to know more about the legal issues that affect local authorities – this is the role for you. We put a strong emphasis on training and personal development and want to support you to be the best you can be.

What You Will Bring

You will be a qualified Solicitor (or Barrister) holding a current practising certificate, or you will be a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.

Do you have any experience in the following areas? We are looking for someone with experience in Commercial Contracts and UK Public Procurement law and at least two of the following areas, but experience in more than two areas would be beneficial.

• Local Government Law and Procedure (including Information law and practice)
• Company Law/Joint Ventures/Partnerships
• PPPs / PFI / Academy Conversions
• Other commercial law not covered above (i.e., TUPE, Subsidy law, Intellectual Property Rights, Construction law, etc.)

Your Benefits

• 28.5 days annual leave increasing to 32.5 after 5 years’ service (plus bank holidays).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Travel and parking discounts.
• Exceptional maternity and paternity leave policies.
• Local Government Pension.
• Access to Employee Healthcare that offers a range of services from counselling to physiotherapy and health assessments.
• Hybrid working.

Contact

Got questions? If you would like to have an informal discussion about this role, please telephone Karl Larrad (Legal Manager – Head of Commercial) or Marc Ellis – Principal Lawyer on 01484 221 000.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Contract

Job function & Industries

• Legal
• Education Administration Programs