Wakefield Council is seeking two skilled and motivated Senior Lawyers to join our Commercial Law Team. Working within the Contract Law Team, you will provide high‑quality, pragmatic legal advice to all Council directorates, supporting the Council to discharge its statutory duties, delivering our Council values and priorities, and strengthening our local communities.

Your work will be varied, challenging and impactful, covering areas such as:

• contract law, procurement and subsidy control;
• delivering high-profile strategic projects;
• governance and risk; and
• helping to navigate legal complexities and finding practical innovative solutions.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• draft and negotiate a range of legal documents;
• provide clear, concise and practical legal advice to all Council departments;
• support major projects aligned with the Council’s strategic priorities, collaborating with other legal teams and professional support services where appropriate; and
• conduct legal research and support decision making processes including the preparation of reports.

Why join our Legal Team?

Join a friendly, experienced and supportive Legal Team doing varied, meaningful work that makes a real difference across the Council. We value collaboration, clear advice and professional trust, and you’ll be supported to grow your skills and progress your career through high quality work, supervision and learning opportunities.

Here's what some of our colleagues have to say:

• “I’ve felt supported from day one -everyone is friendly, approachable and willing to help.” Rachel, Trainee Lawyer
• “Wakefield Council is a genuinely great and supportive place to work. I’ve had the opportunity to progress from Legal Officer right through to Principal Lawyer, and I’ve been nurtured and supported at every stage of that journey.” Benjamin, Principal Lawyer
• Find out more about working in Legal by visiting: https://www.sellickpartnership.co.uk/resources/blog/the-path-to-leadership-in-local-government--q-a-with-gillian-marshall--chief-legal-officer-at-wakefield-council/

Why Wakefield?

At Wakefield Council, your work matters. We’re proud to be an organisation that values its people and supports them to achieve a healthy work–life balance.

What we offer:

• Flexible and hybrid working (typically two days a week in the office)
• 31 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays (rising to 34 days after 10 years)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Strong learning and development support
• A real focus on wellbeing and supportive leadership
• A wide range of staff benefits and discounts

Here, you’ll do work that counts in a place that supports you to be your best.

About You

We welcome applications from:

• Qualified Solicitors
• Barristers
• Chartered Legal Executives

with a current practising certificate and relevant experience or strong transferable skills.

You don’t need to be a commercial law specialist already. What matters most is that you:

• enjoy working in complex, fast-paced, multi‑stakeholder environments;
• can translate legal risk into practical advice senior leaders can act on;
• are confident working collaboratively and influencing beyond legal teams; and
• are motivated by public service and making a difference.

We are an equality, diversity and inclusive employer, and are proud to be a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, welcoming applications from a diverse workforce.  

Career Development

These posts are offered on a Career Grade pathway, allowing appointment at the appropriate level based on your experience, with structured progression as you grow and develop in the role.

How To Apply

This vacancy is open ended. We reserve the right to close the vacancy once sufficient suitable applications have been received. It is advisable to apply early to avoid disappointment, as applications will be assessed monthly.

Please provide your personal details on the application form, upload your CV and complete a personal statement answering the following (in no more than 500 words for each question): 

1. Describe how your skills, knowledge, experience and achievements meet the requirements of the Job Description; and
2. What do you believe to be the key functions of this role and how would you go about meeting them.

A full employment history must be included on your CV and not on the application form.

Applicants will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria. Shortlisting will take place at the end of each month. Interviews will take place periodically in the month following each round of shortlisting. Previous applicants need not apply.

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following: application form, interview and a scenario-based exercise. 

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role contact Mathew Sorby, Commercial Law Team Manager on 01924 305750, Emma Spurr, Principal Lawyer on 01924 307278 or Benjamin Hitch-Bramley, Principal Lawyer on 01977 360925.

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council, feel free to contact.

Name: Mathew Sorby

Tel: 01924 305750

E-mail: msorby@wakefield.gov.uk 

Join us and make a real impact in the community. Apply today to become a valued member of our team!

Closing date: To be confirmed.

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.