Lawyer (Commercial Law)

Job introduction

Job title: Lawyer (Commercial Law)
A bit about us:
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Working at Liverpool City Council provides an opportunity to contribute to the city and make a positive impact on the lives of our residents. Our values shape how we work, how we deliver public services and how we communicate with the people and organisations we serve.
Legal Services advises the Council across a broad and varied range of services, projects and priorities. The Commercial Team supports work relating to contracts and procurement, schools, adult social care and wider corporate and strategic projects. Our lawyers work closely with colleagues across the Council to provide practical, proportionate and solution-focussed advice.
We are recruiting two permanent solicitors to strengthen our commercial legal capacity and support a diverse portfolio of work across the Council. The team advises on major, high-profile and high-value projects spanning culture, sport, regeneration and corporate transformation, including projects connected with Eurovision, UEFA events and preparations for the Tour de France Grand Départ next year, alongside other key city priorities.
The role:
We are looking to recruit two talented Lawyers (Commercial) to join Liverpool City Council’s Commercial Team. These roles offer the opportunity to undertake varied and meaningful work that directly supports the delivery of important services and projects across the city.Whether you already work in local government or are looking to move from private practice or another in-house setting into a rewarding public-sector role, we would welcome an application from you if you can provide practical, solution-focussed advice and enjoy working collaboratively with clients and colleagues.As a Lawyer (Commercial), you will:
Manage a varied caseload of complex and non-complex commercial legal work, with support and supervision from a Senior Lawyer or Head of LawAdvise officers, senior managers and other stakeholders on commercial, procurement and governance matters, clearly explaining legal risks, options and practical solutionsDraft, review and negotiate contracts for services and the purchase of goods, framework agreements and call-off terms, loans, hire, sponsorship, partnership, deeds, variations, novations, grant and funding agreements, large-scale events and host city agreements, MoU, non-disclosure agreements and collaboration arrangementsSupport procurement activity, contract management and major corporate and strategic projects across areas including adult social care, public health, children’s services and culture, working closely with colleagues in Procurement, Finance and client servicesProvide advice on grant funding, subsidy control, decision-making and related public law issues arising in a commercial contextProduce clear, accurate and high-quality legal documents, reports and written advice.Attend project boards, client meetings and Council meetings where required, providing legal and governance advice and supportBuild strong client relationships and contribute to training, guidance and legal awareness across the CouncilSupervise or support Legal Officers, Legal Assistants, Trainee Lawyers and work experience students where applicableContribute to service improvement, value for money and the effective use of digital and case-management systemsCarry out related tasks as may be delegated by the Head of Law or Senior LawyersOur offer to you:
At least 31 days holiday, plus bank holidays rising to 35 after 5 years’ service (pro rata if part time) - option to purchase further daysAgile working (role dependent) - a “Flexibility First” approach to agile working, where flexibility is the norm rather than the exceptionPart of the Local Government Pension Scheme – option to join the AVC SchemeProgression - opportunities and training through a wide range of high quality learningHealth and Wellbeing - offer including Employee Assistance ProgrammeCycle to Work and Travel Pass Schemes Drive Time – a salary sacrifice car lease schemeFamily friendly policies with enhanced leave Discounted Gym Memberships Employee Volunteering Scheme Medicash Next steps:Closing date: Midnight Sunday 13th December 2026Shortlisting date: Monday 14th to Wednesday 16th December 2026Interview date: Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd December 2026Interview type: Interview questions with an initial exercise (candidate given 15 minutes to complete); interviews in person, with discretion to conduct via Teams
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early. Once the role has closed, you will not be able to submit an application, and we are unable to reopen the vacancy for you to complete it. We strongly recommend submitting your application well in advance of the closing date to avoid disappointment.
If you would like any further information or an informal discussion, please contact Bayo.Okelola@liverpool.gov.uk or Kyle.Maycock@liverpool.gov.uk
Watch our recruitment video and see what life is like working at Liverpool City Council.

Liverpool City Council is committed to fostering a workforce representative of the communities we serve. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we believe in appointing candidates based on their skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities. To support this commitment, we guarantee an interview to candidates from under-represented groups who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role.
If you require any reasonable adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2010, such as an application form in a different format or additional time to complete your application, please contact us at recruitment@liverpool.gov.uk.
Although we advertise on Jobs Go Public, and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications. Please ensure you complete your full profile, work and education history in Tribepad.
Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified in the final stages of the selection process. All candidates must either already have a right to work in the UK before commencing employment or meet the Home Office criteria for Visa sponsorship. Candidates who require sponsorship should evaluate the Home Office eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa before applying.
This is not legal advice, and we advise you to seek your own independent legal advice tailored to your own personal circumstances.