We are looking for an Associate with circa 3–6 years’ PQE to join a public sector team in Exeter, specialising in public procurement law. The ideal candidate will have experience advising public sector clients or working in-house for a public sector body, and will bring strong communication, drafting and analytical skills, together with excellent attention to detail and sound commercial judgement.
You will advise on a varied range of non-contentious public sector matters, including procurement rules, public sector contracts, grant funding, subsidy control and local authority powers. You will also support advice on procurement challenges and work with colleagues across the firm on significant projects. With appropriate support and supervision, you will take responsibility for matters and manage your own caseload, building your expertise while helping to develop the team’s public sector offering.
The Firm
The role is with an established legal practice that advises public and private sector clients on a broad range of legal matters. Its public sector team works with local authorities, utilities providers, central government and other public bodies, providing pragmatic, robust and commercially focused advice on major projects.
The team’s work spans areas including energy, transport, social housing, regeneration, telecommunications and asset management. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across different practice areas and contribute to significant projects. The firm describes its approach as open and relationship-focused, with an emphasis on helping clients address challenges, identify opportunities and achieve effective outcomes. It also highlights innovation, community involvement and supporting a healthy work–life balance as part of its commitment to a rewarding career.
Responsibilities
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Advise public sector clients on the application of public procurement rules.
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Draft, review and advise on public sector contracts.
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Advise on grant funding, subsidy control and local authority powers.
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Support the team in advising on procurement challenges, working alongside disputes colleagues where appropriate.
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Work with local authorities, utilities providers, central government and other public sector bodies on major projects.
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Contribute to projects across sectors such as energy, transport, social housing, regeneration, telecommunications and asset management.
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Work closely with a Partner and collaborate with colleagues across the firm to deliver clear, commercially sound advice.
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Take responsibility for matters and manage a caseload with appropriate support and supervision.
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Build trusted client relationships through proactive, diligent and responsive service.
Experience and Skills Sought
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Associate solicitor with 3–6 years’ PQE and experience in public procurement law.
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Experience advising public sector clients or working in-house for a public sector body.
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Strong drafting, analytical and communication skills, with excellent attention to detail.
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Commercial judgement and an understanding of the legal and political pressures affecting public sector clients.
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Experience in public sector contracts or subsidy control is desirable.
Hours and Benefits
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Monday to Friday 9:00 – 17:15
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26 days holiday per year, plus 1 extra day at Christmas and your birthday off
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Hybrid working, typically 60% in the office and 40% from home
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Discretionary bonus scheme
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Pension
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Life assurance
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Private medical insurance
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Holiday purchase scheme
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Dental insurance
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Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
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Free legal services, such as conveyancing and wills
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Medicash healthcare cash plan
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Free parking on site
Find Out More or Apply
To find out more about this role, or to have an informal, confidential and non-committal chat, please reach out to James at Aspiria Legal.