Senior Contract Lawyer

• Senior_Contract_Lawyer_Job_Description

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Wokingham Borough Council have an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated Lawyer (Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) to join our dynamic in-house legal service on a permanent, full-time or part-time basis.

The position of Senior Contract Lawyer will suit a legal professional with a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of commercial contract law, particularly with experience of the new Procurement legislation, and partnership arrangements. It will equally suit individuals with either a public or private sector background, as training and ongoing support will be provided.

The Senior Contract Lawyer will be solution-focused with a strong sense of commercial risk. You will draft and review complex contracts including construction, IT, service delivery and grant-funded agreements. You should also be able to advise on and occasionally lead negotiations. A collaborative approach is required/desirable with experience of managing complex workloads and advising senior stakeholders.

Like all of the Council’s Legal Services we work flexibly with most lawyers working primarily from home, although the successful candidate must be able to attend our offices for in-person meetings based on business needs.

⭐Staff Benefits⭐

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐Generous Annual Leave - 31 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays

⭐Local Government Pension Scheme

⭐GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week

⭐Employee Assistance Programme - Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline

⭐Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines

⭐Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham

⭐Salary Sacrifice Schemes - Including Car and Cycle to Work schemes

⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more

⭐Move through Menopause Course

⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more

⭐Learning & Development Opportunities

⭐Employee Networks

⭐And more!

Candidate requirements:

• Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives [the latter suitably authorised by CILEX to be able to work unsupervised].
• Adaptable and highly organised to manage projects
• Comprehensive knowledge of commercial property law
• A competent IT user, team player and confident managing a wide case load
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with a range of people both internally and externally
• Previous Local Government experience is not required, but would be advantageous

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

If you’re looking for a rewarding, varied and interesting career, that provides flexibility and a good work/life balance, click the link below and apply today!

Alternatively, for more information or for an informal discussion about the role, please contact Neil Allen – Head of Legal Services on 07827 311667 or neil.allen@wokingham.gov.uk (strictly no agencies).

Closing Date: 11pm, Sunday 5th April 2026

Interview Date: TBC

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.