Location
Merton, with hybrid working and one team day per week in the office. Attendance at partner boroughs as required. Optional day working fortnight available, subject to service needs.

Hours
Hybrid working pattern with flexibility to support work-life balance.

Salary
MGA £60,573 - £62,766 plus market supplement £7,437 (annually reviewed) and a £3,000 Golden Hello for external applicants.

About the Role
This newly upgraded role is designed for an expert level procurement and contracts lawyer to join a small specialist team within the South London Legal Partnership (SLLP), which serves the London Boroughs of Merton, Richmond upon Thames, Sutton, Wandsworth and the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. Reporting to a Principal Lawyer, you will have no line management responsibilities and focus on advisory, non-contentious work. The role involves delivering high quality legal advice on complex, cross-team and high-profile procurement and contract matters.

Main responsibilities include acting as a trusted expert in public procurement and contracts law, managing a diverse caseload autonomously, drafting and advising on a wide range of commercial and public sector contracts, advising officers and elected members on procurement issues including subsidy control and contractual risk, supporting and deputising for the Principal Lawyer, contributing to knowledge sharing and training within the service, and providing clear, pragmatic legal advice in a public-facing environment.

This role does not involve litigation but includes advising on procurement challenges and collaborating with litigation colleagues when necessary.

SLLP offers a supportive, well-resourced environment with a genuine commitment to professional standards and work-life balance.

Experience
Qualified as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (Fellow of CILEX) with solid experience in public procurement law. Minimum of around 5 years PQE in public procurement and contracts law. Experience in public sector client work from local government or private practice; prior in-house experience is not essential. Confident in managing own caseload.

About you
Excellent drafting, communication and client care skills. Approachable, supportive and comfortable working collaboratively within a team. Willing to share expertise and contribute to knowledge sharing.

Qualifications
Professional legal qualification as Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (Fellow of CILEX) required.