Contracts Lawyer

Job Category : Legal

Location : 160 Tooley Street, Southwark Council

Hours Per Week : 36.00

Start Date : Immediate Start

Start Time : 09:00

End Time : 17:00
Salary: £46.11

Must be an admitted Solicitor of England and Wales with at least 3 years post admission experience or  a  Barrister called to the bar of England and Wales with at least 3 years post call experience or a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives or a qualified lawyer possessing an equivalent qualification gained in another jurisdiction, with at least 3 years’ post qualification experience.

The candidate will be working in a busy legal services department and will  covering a mixed load of low and high value works and services contracts.  Must have at least two years experience of local authority work in the areas of contracts and  procurement including construction law  and goods/services.  

Working arrangement – Full-time, hybrid working with  two days at our Tooley Street in London Bridge.

1.         Responsible for the delivery of highest quality outcomes and effective legal advice to clients – including the Cabinet, Committees, other Council bodies and elected Members.

2.         To ensure the legal services provided are cost effective and meet the principles of good governance in decision making.

3.         Support the development and delivery of relevant strategies, policies and departmental projects that secure the achievement of key council and service objectives.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Responsibilities

4.         To deliver a high quality, sustainable legal service that complies with the statutory framework and meets the Council’s statutory and contractual obligations. 

5.         Advising and attending Committees and sub-committees, members and Chief Officers and frequently advising the Departments in relation to the Law in matters specifically relating to the work of the section.

6.         Devising and implementing new methods, forms and procedures as required by new legislation, revised council policy or generally including the review of changes imposed in relation to specific services.

7.         Determining the effect of new legislation and advising specifically on the impact of new legislation on the delivery of the council’s services or functions

Knowledge, including educational qualifications:

1.         An admitted Solicitor of England and Wales, with a current practising certificate or eligible to apply for a practising certificate, with 3 years post admission experience or  a  Barrister called to the bar of England and Wales with 3 years post call experience or a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with a current practising certificate or eligible to apply for a practising certificate  or a qualified lawyer possessing an equivalent qualification gained in another jurisdiction, with 3 years’ post qualification experience. 

2.         Evidence of continuing professional development. 

3.         A thorough practical understanding of local government law, equalities legislation, data protection and freedom of information as it applies to local government.

4.         Knowledge of the law in relation to contracts and public procurement.

5.         An understanding of good governance arrangements, to maintain democratic legitimacy of the Council’s work to support effective decision making.

Experience:

6.         At least 2 years experience of working in the field of 

contracts and public  procurement. 

7.         Experience of managing own caseload.

8.         Success in building, and sustaining effective relationships with stakeholders.

9.         Experience of case managements system and 

of working within a performance management framework and achieving agreed targets and outcomes.

Aptitudes, Skills & Competencies:

10.       Ability to use a range of information and communication technology effectively 

11.       Ability to use initiative to achieve set deadlines and manage conflicting priorities.

12.       Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and to use discretion in dealing with sensitive information.

13.       Ability to analyse complex information and provide successful resolution.

14.       Adapts to changing demands to ensure that objectives are met, overcoming problems and making well considered decisions.

15.       Acts as a role model to others in the team, sharing knowledge and experience when necessary, whilst respecting and valuing the contribution other team members’ experiences can bring.

16.       Demonstrates well developed written and verbal communication skills and the confidence produce non standard letters/reports and to present reports and verbal accounts credibly to a variety of different audiences.

17.       Develops contacts and relationships with customer/client groups, regularly reviewing service delivery and taking responsibility to ensure quality service provision and the ability to deal with clients professionally and diplomatically.