Public Sector Solicitor

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a junior solicitor (NQ–3 PQE) to join a leading national public law and commercial advisory team based in Manchester. This role offers excellent exposure to high-profile, complex work advising central and local government bodies, NHS trusts, arm’s-length bodies, and other public and third sector clients. You will play a key role in supporting the team on a broad range of matters, including public procurement, commercial contracts, outsourcing arrangements, and governance issues. The role combines high-quality contractual and advisory work with opportunities to contribute to policy-shaping projects and transformational public sector initiatives. If you’re a junior solicitor looking to build a career in complex, meaningful commercial work within the public sector, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a specialist team operating at the forefront of the field.

Responsibilities

Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts, including services agreements, outsourcing arrangements, framework agreements, and collaboration agreements; Advising public sector clients on procurement strategy and compliance with UK procurement regulations, including the new Procurement Act 2023; Providing legal support governance, and public law issues relevant to contractual arrangements; Working closely with senior lawyers to deliver practical, commercially sound advice to public and quasi-public bodies; Conducting legal research and helping prepare client training, briefing notes, and thought leadership; Participating in client development initiatives, including contributing to tenders, events, and webinars

Requirements

Qualified solicitor (or soon to qualify) in England and Wales with 0–3 years’ PQE; Demonstrable interest in public sector commercial work; Commercial contracts experience is essential; Sound understanding of public procurement, or a strong interest and willingness to develop specialist expertise in this area; Strong drafting and analytical skills with good commercial awareness; Collaborative team player with excellent written and verbal communication skills; Able to manage deadlines, prioritise workload, and adapt to client needs in a fast-moving environment

Benefits

Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits; Strong commitment to training and development, including structured learning around public procurement and public sector commercial advisory work; Hybrid working and genuine flexibility to support work-life balance; Collegiate, inclusive team with a reputation for delivering high-quality, impactful work in the public sector; Opportunity to advise on contracts and projects that make a real difference to public services and communities