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 within public sector settings.

As a Lawyer in the Contracts & Procurement team at Swindon Borough Council, you will manage your own caseload of contractual and procurement matters, with appropriate supervision and support. You will work closely with colleagues in Legal Services and across the organisation, supporting services to deliver their objectives in a lawful, well-governed and practical way.

The work is hands-on and often complex, involving real decisions that affect residents and communities. You will take responsibility for your own matters, develop sound judgement, and build confidence in handling contracts and procurement issues in a supportive in-house environment.

This role will suit a Lawyer who wants to deepen public sector contracts and procurement expertise, take ownership of their work, and see the impact of their advice, without the constant sense of crisis found in some roles.

Legal work that keeps you credible

This is not narrow or repetitive in-house work. The legal service advises on matters that are often complex, politically sensitive and high impact, and is closely involved in the Council’s most significant activity.

Within the Contracts & Procurement team, the work spans a broad range of commercial and procurement issues, from day-to-day support to major projects, partnerships and commissioning activity. The focus is on clear, proportionate advice that supports delivery, manages risk and maintains good governance, while keeping skills sharp and building strong public sector commercial experience.

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.