Legal work that stands up

At Swindon Borough Council (SBC), our in-house legal team supports a place with ambition, momentum and a clear sense of purpose.

The Council is a large unitary authority serving a growing town, well connected and surrounded by countryside. It is managing complex demand, supporting regeneration and making decisions that have real, visible impact on communities. The legal work that comes with that is varied, stretching and often high profile.

We are recruiting experienced lawyers across several specialist areas to strengthen our core legal capability and ensure the Council continues to act confidently, lawfully and well in achieving the best outcomes for residents and communities.

About us

We have a clear focus on delivery, good decision-making and continuous improvement, underpinned by sound governance and professional advice. That commitment was recognised last year when we were shortlisted for Most Improved Council of the Year, and our Chief Executive was shortlisted for CEO of the Year.

Our in-house legal service underpins all our work by providing clear, proportionate and trusted legal advice that helps the Council manage risk sensibly, make confident decisions and deliver for the people of Swindon.

We are an organisation that values judgement, integrity and professionalism. Our lawyers are trusted advisers, working closely with officers and elected members on work that genuinely shapes place, in an environment that supports a sustainable pace and a life outside work.

About the role

This is a role for a Lawyer who wants to build depth, confidence and professional credibility in public sector contracts and procurement work at a senior level.

As a Senior Lawyer in the Contracts & Procurement team at Swindon Borough Council, you will take responsibility for a substantial and varied caseload of contractual and procurement matters. You will work closely with services across the Council, providing trusted legal input that supports sound decision-making, good governance and effective delivery.

The work is practical, often complex, and closely connected to significant decisions affecting residents and communities. You will be expected to exercise sound judgement, manage risk, and support colleagues through clear, proportionate advice. You will also play a role in supporting and mentoring less experienced lawyers within the team.

What sets this role apart is the quality and visibility of the work, combined with a high degree of autonomy in a supportive in-house environment. It will suit a Lawyer who wants to deepen public sector contracts and procurement expertise, take ownership of complex matters, and see the impact of their advice without a constant sense of crisis.

Legal work that keeps you credible

Our lawyers advise on matters that are often complex, politically sensitive and high impact, working closely with senior officers and elected members and contributing to the Council’s most significant activity.

The work spans complex contracts, commissioning and procurement, governance issues, and support for major projects and partnerships, requiring strategic thinking and confident professional judgement.

You will have scope to shape your caseload over time, playing to your strengths, while doing strategic legal work that keeps skills sharp and supports professional development.

A legal team built on trust

Alongside the quality of the work, the way we operate matters.

We operate a professional and supportive legal service, where lawyers are trusted to manage their caseloads, apply their judgement and provide clear advice. Specialism is respected, collaboration is the norm, and flexibility is part of how we work.

You must be fluent in the English language (as a requirement of Part 7 of the Immigration Act “for the effective performance of a customer-facing role”).

Closing date: 3 March 2026

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