An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Contracts and Procurement Lawyer to work at Durham County Council as part of the Legal and Democratic Services Team.

Durham County Council is the 8th Largest Local Authority in the country supported by an experienced and talented legal service. Based in Durham City with excellent transport links our County is a fascinating place to work with rich history and heritage, coastline as well as areas of outstanding natural beauty and a world heritage site on the doorstep.

We actively promote a positive work / life balance and support wellbeing. We offer flexible hybrid working, a friendly and supportive working environment and a wealth of interesting work.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

This motivated highly professional team is looking for an individual committed to excellence to undertake contracts and procurement work. The successful candidate will support and assist the Senior Lawyer (Corporate and Commercial Governance) as well as being responsible for their own caseload, providing a professional legal service with support from dedicated Legal Assistants. You will join a small team supplying high quality legal advice with a significant and varied caseload undertaking work relating to all Council functions and the opportunity to provide advice to schools, academies and the Fire Service.

In particular you will be working closely with our excellent Corporate Procurement Team who deal with an annual spend of over £500 million. You will advise on contracts and procurement for the provision of works, services or supplies, event and art agreements, as well as grant agreements and associated legal documentation. You can expect to be involved in high value and complex construction, regeneration and ICT projects.

We are looking to hear from enthusiastic individuals with a can do approach to join our busy team who are committed to providing an excellent legal service. The Council will happily consider applications from those newly-qualified or those wishing to consider a new specialism.

This is an exciting opportunity, if you want to know more about the positions or for further information, please contact Jennifer Rogers via email Jennifer.rogers@durham.gov.uk.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

You should be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with current practising certificate (will consider those about to qualify having completed all academic stages).

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held as soon after the closing date as possible.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years' continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website .

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

To apply for this role please visit the following link Lawyer, Contracts and Procurement.