Senior Solicitor / Lawyer (Commercial)

• U2014_Senior_Solicitor_Commercial_JD

Please apply online via the link provided.

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

Are you a forward thinking and highly motivated commercial lawyer looking for a fresh challenge and a better work life balance?

Who?

This is an exciting time to join Wealden District Council. We are a shared legal service carrying out work for Wealden and Rother District Councils. Our Legal Team provides a crucial role in delivering client focused and professional legal advice, support and assistance to our internal clients.

We are looking for an experienced qualified lawyer to join our supportive team. If you are an ambitious and highly motivated legal professional keen to maximise your potential, then we’d love to hear from you.

You will be responsible for your own caseload as well as working with the Team Leader: Commercial on major projects and transactions. You can expect to be working on a wide range of casework. Any exposure to work within the local government sector is desirable but not essential.

You will be team orientated but able to work autonomously, with strong commercial acumen and communication skills.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to acquire and develop their legal knowledge and skills on the job whilst also working in a supportive environment for a Council committed to your learning, development and career progression.

What will you be doing?

• Providing professional and timely legal advice to Wealden and Rother District Councils on a range of matters relating to their corporate and commercial arrangements.
• You will play a key part in ensuring the Councils fulfil their legislative and regulatory obligations.
• Working collaboratively with other lawyers within the team and internal clients to achieve the best outcomes for the Councils.
• Effectively managing a varied caseload across multiple service teams and departments.

What do you need?

• Significant knowledge and experience of contracts and commercial law
• You will be qualified solicitor or barrister, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with a current practising certificate.
• Extensive experience in providing clear and coherent written and oral legal advice.
• The ability to maintain high standards of client care and work as part of a team to deliver an effective and efficient legal service.

What do we offer?

• Excellent salary, pension, flexible working, fantastic employee benefits and comprehensive staff health & wellbeing scheme.
• A friendly, supportive team and a range of opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Ability to work from home as well as from our newly refurbished offices in Hailsham and Rother’s offices in Bexhill.
• Flexible and hybrid wording arrangements subject to service requirements.
• Working for a great, forward thinking local authority.
• Free parking.

Wealden is a superb place to come and work, live and enjoy life. The area is steeped in history, with the iconic High Weald AONB, Ashdown Forest and South Downs close by. Leisure opportunities abound along our stunning coastline, within our vibrant and growing towns and attractive countryside. The district is amongst one of the most attractive and diverse in East Sussex and offers a stimulating and varied range of environments and opportunities within which to develop and advance your legal career.

Wealden District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities and all applications will be treated on merit.

For more information and an informal and confidential chat about this opportunity please contact Christopher Crichton – Legal Services Manager at christopher.crichton@wealden.gov.uk

CVs will be accepted, provided that an application is also submitted via our online recruitment portal. For a copy of the Job Description please email human.resources@wealden.gov.uk

Post number: U2014

Closing date: Thursday 11 September 2025

Interview Date: To be Confirmed

To Apply

Please visit our ‘How to Apply’ page for advice on how best to complete your application.

Click on the “Apply Online Now” link to be taken to our online recruitment portal. You will be prompted to log in to your existing account or create a new one. Remember to add a contact email address and mobile number when applying.

Please note applications could time out. So, ensure you have created an account and save your information as you go along. We would suggest you keep a copy of your personal statement on a separate document until you are ready to paste this into your application and submit.

If you are unable to apply online, have a query or require an alternative application method, please email human.resources@wealden.gov.uk or call 01892 602424. Make sure you know the post number and include it in your email or provide it when asked during your telephone call.