Legal Officer

Legal Officer

£38,301 per annum - Grade 6

Leeds / Hybrid Full time / Permanent - 37 hours per week

Closing date – 6 May at 23:55

Please note that the Combined Authority will consider requests for part-time working and/or job share. We are seeking to appoint highly motivated Legal Officer to join the Legal Procurement & Commercial team. This is a rare opportunity to become part of a small, high performing team, providing strategic legal advice across the full project lifecycle - from early development to the award of contracts. In this role, you will act as a Legal Advisor for the Combined Authority in relation to the in-house Legal Procurement & Commercial function and provide legal support in connection with all aspects of commercial contracts. This includes delivering robust, pragmatic support and advice on contract drafting, negotiation, and dispute resolution.

The team at has a talent pathway, which offers an opportunity for internal Legal Officers to apply to the pathway and access funding to undertake an apprenticeship, CILEX Professional Qualification or SRA training to qualify as a Solicitor/ Fellow of CILEX. The talent pathway is run on an annual cycle after any probationary period has concluded and requires a separate application process.

Our Offer

· Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.

· Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.

· Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).

· Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.

· Investing in you – Take advantage of fully funded professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.

· Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.

· Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.

· Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.

· Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.

The Role

Reporting into the Principal Lawyer, your key responsibilities will include:

· Negotiate, draft and review a wide range of legal documentation, providing clear, solution-focused advice to stakeholders using sound judgement and initiative. Apply strong analytical skills to ensure advice reflects a thorough understanding of the aims and objectives of the Combined Authority.

· Work collaboratively with lawyers within the Legal team on more complex matters, including drafting, research and the provision of robust legal advice. Write concise reports, responses to correspondence and presentations in relation to own casework or as required by a supervising Lawyer.

· Manage legal matters independently, demonstrating a solid knowledge of relevant policies, practices and procedures, and ensuring effective case file management in line with quality assurance requirements. Use strong communication and influencing skills to represent the Combined Authority’s interests effectively when liaising with third parties.

Please review the Role Profile for more information about the responsibilities.

About You

You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience:

· Paralegal/ CILEX qualification (Level 3 Diploma); Degree with Law conversion qualification or law graduate as a minimum.

· Practical experience of successfully performing in a similar role.

· Experience of legal research, drafting and advice.

· Demonstrable good knowledge and experience within one of the key practice areas; Property; Projects, Procurement and Contracts; Transport services.

To Apply

If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements within the Role Profile. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage and review the guidance on this page for support in completing your application form.

Further Information

The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work

environment that delivers better outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro divergent. To find out more about inclusivity at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please visit our dedicated webpage.

Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met