Our client, a local authority based in the West Midlands, is currently recruiting for a Commercial Lawyer on a minimum 6-month locum contract.

The position is due to start as soon as possible, with a preferred start date within two weeks of offer. The hourly rate is £60-£65, dependent on experience.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified solicitor or barrister with strong local government experience, particularly in procurement, funding, governance, and public sector partnerships. Any experience of the of the Integrated Settlement Fund (ISF) will be highly advantageous.

Duties will include (but are not limited to):

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating funding and legal agreements
• Advising on statutory and regulatory compliance, including procurement, governance, and safeguarding obligations
• Ensuring legal arrangements protect the Council's commercial, financial, and legal interests
• Identifying and mitigating potential legal and financial risks
• Liaising with internal stakeholders and external partners (including Combined Authority and neighbouring authorities) to support the compliant delivery of the Integrated Settlement Fund (ISF)

Experience required:

• Strong background in local government law 
• Proven experience in public sector procurement, funding arrangements, partnerships, contracts, and governance

Skills, knowledge and expertise required:

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to manage complex legal matters under tight deadlines
• Proactive, solution-focused approach to problem-solving
• Ability to maintain accurate time recording within the case management system

Working hours:

• 35 hours per week

Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.

James Andrews is acting as an employment agency and business in relation to this role.

At James Andrews Recruitment Solutions we try to respond to all applications personally, however, due to the high volume of applications this is not always possible. If you have not heard back from us within 72 hours, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Don't forget our recommendation scheme: Recommend a friend or colleague to us and receive up to £100 each once they have completed 20 days in a role via James Andrews! Terms and conditions apply, contact us for details.