Senior Lawyer (Commercial Law Team, Public Health)

£42,839 – £54,495 per annum

Make law matter. Improve lives across the Wakefield District

Wakefield Council and its health partners have a clear goal to make substantial health improvements in the Wakefield District through the delivery of public health functions. It’s about real services, real communities and real outcomes. From substance misuse and sexual health to health protection, prevention and partnership working, our decisions directly affect the lives of people who live and work in Wakefield.

About The Role

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Lawyer to join our Commercial Law Team.

Working within the Contract Law Team, you’ll be the key legal adviser to the Public Health Directorate, supporting the Council to discharge its statutory public health responsibilities and to deliver ambitious health improvement priorities alongside the NHS and other partner organisations.

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

• public health commissioning and contract design;
• procurement and subsidy control;
• innovative partnership and collaboration arrangements;
• governance and risk; and
• helping to navigate legal complexity and find practical, solution-focused routes forward

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• draft and negotiate a range of legal documents;
• provide clear, concise and practical legal advice to the Public Health Team;
• undertake critical work to help deliver our Council priorities and the discharge of key statutory duties and responsibilities; 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

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 public health specialist already. What matters most is that you:

• enjoy working in complex, 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
The post is 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 and upload your CV.

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.

Closing date: Rolling advert

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