What's involved with this role : Interim Lawyer - Projects Reference no : WYCA 0009 91FB / 1 Pay Rate : £24.92 per hour PAYE 37 Monday – Friday, normal working hours This opening assignment is for 2-3 months City : LEEDS A locum to do a minimum of 3 days, and up to 5 working days a week. Based in Leeds, W.Y so a locum within a commutable distance is preferred but will consider nationwide. (They must be based in the UK).   There is a possibility for this role to be extended. We are looking for someone experienced, so at least 4 / 5yrs PQE with the required skill set as per the role profile. They must have project management experience, with elements of procurement, contract drafting and management.  Key responsibilities :

Work closely with the Principal Lawyer and Service Lead to provide a customer focussed, high performing and proactive legal service in relation to the Legal Projects function.

• Drafting high value / risk level and complex commercial contract, funding and loan documentation for (but not restricted to) infrastructure and construction projects, the energy sector, regeneration schemes, public transport projects, employment skills and further education programmes;
• Providing advice and assistance in relation to contract disputes and dispute resolution ensuring the Combined Authority’s position is protected at all times and risks minimised;
• Providing advice on subsidy control and competition law;

Providing legal advice in relation to all Combined Authority projects and programmes including in the areas of (but not limited to) infrastructure projects, construction, public transport schemes, major regeneration and energy projects and regional adult education, skills and training provision;

Provide legal support required by means of :

Liaising with the other parts of the Legal Projects, Procurement & Commercial Service as appropriate to provide an integrated corporate legal service.

Negotiate and review complex high value / risk level documentation and provide advice to a range of stakeholders in relation to the same, using initiative and judgement.

Analyse situations, applying excellent legal knowledge and expertise to undertake negotiations or guide decision making based on options and implications, proposing solutions and recommending and implementing new policies and procedures to improve ways of working and reduce risk.

Prepare and present bespoke training as required.

Monitor new and current legal issues, ensuring team and other stakeholders are informed as appropriate and maintain up to date information in relevant areas

Undertake technical and complex legal research

Write and review complex reports for decision making forums, ensuring clarity as to any legal implications and associated risk factors.

Communicate timely and accurate tactical and strategic advice at all levels, applying legal privilege where necessary.

Lead and participate in assignments and the delivery of projects or workstreams as directed or work as part of a team to deliver important schemes and provide advice and assistance to Project Boards and Project Managers during the delivery of projects. Key requirements :

Qualified Solicitor or Barrister entitled to hold a practising certificate or full CILEX (Fellowship) qualification with recent post-qualification experience, ideally in a public sector organisation.

Significant legal and practical knowledge and experience in the specified area of law.

Significant legal and practical knowledge and experience of advising on large scale projects.

Demonstrate good knowledge of local government law and practice including a thorough understanding of the political nature of local government and the democratic process.

Significant experience of successfully working as an in-house legal advisor within the public sector working at senior level within one or more areas of Legal Projects function.

Practical experience of successfully performing in a similar role.

Substantive experience of advising on a range of matters within the specified practice area.

Experience of advising on major projects or projects with a significant impact within a public sector environment

Sound judgment and outstanding analytical skills and experience of advising on and drafting complex and commercial documentation.

Ability to write concise, accurate and informative reports and presentations for a range of audiences & stakeholders.

Demonstrate the ability to work in other related areas of the Legal Projects, Procurement & Commercial Service when required. Please quote the Job Title & Vacancy Reference No. in your application, or we will be unable to match your CV to the role being applied for. Clients are generally looking for candidates who are local to, or who can commute easily to the place of work.  It will help your application if your CV states,  in broad terms ,   where you reside – there is no need for a full address. Please feel free to apply to us directly via by quoting the job reference and exact job title. If you are successful in securing this role, please note that for the entire duration of this contract, regardless of extension, you will be working at the PAYE rate that has been advertised. For absolute clarity,