Job Description

We have an excellent opportunity for a Senior Contract Lawyer to join our Legal Services Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, permanent basis.
As a Senior Contract Lawyer, you will act as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert within your area of legal specialism. You will help ensure the Council delivers on its vision, values and strategic objectives through the provision of clear, consistent and proactive legal support.
Previous Local Government experience is not required to apply for this position.
In this senior role, you will handle a varied and often complex caseload, including politically sensitive matters, exercising a high level of autonomy and professional judgement, and you will need to be a solution-focused negotiator with a strong sense of commercial risk. You will also contribute to the effective management and development of the Legal Services team-supporting colleagues, assisting with performance management, and deputising for senior leaders when required.
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.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, pragmatic and collaborative lawyer who thrives on variety, responsibility and meaningful public sector work.
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:
?Annual Leave - Up to 31 days annual leave (rising to 36 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus bank holidays
?Local Government Pension Scheme
?GP Helpline - Available 7 days per week
?Employee Assistance Programme - with a 24/7 Your Care confidential helpline
?Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
?Free Onsite Gym - Use of a free onsite gym located at Shute End Office, Wokingham
?Salary Sacrifice Schemes - Car and Cycle to Work
?Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, restaurants & more
?Move through Menopause Course
?Sports & Social Group Activities - Including running, football, cricket & more
?Learning & Development Opportunities
?Employee Networks
?And much more!
Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality legal advice, guidance and interpretation on complex matters, ensuring compliance with legislation, best practice and governance standards.
• Manage your own caseload and support work allocated within the team, ensuring excellent communication and value for money.
• Act as lead advisor within your area of expertise and support the Principal Lawyer & Team Leader with team oversight and development.
• Contribute to training for colleagues across the Council on legal and policy developments.
• Assist in evaluating team performance and recommending evidence-based improvements.
• Work collaboratively with internal services and external partners.
• Manage spend within the team, helping ensure effective prioritisation and responsible cost control.
• Deputise for senior leaders at meetings, committees and briefings as required.

Candidate Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, CILEX Lawyer or equivalent - licensed to practise in England & Wales.
• Substantial post-qualification experience, including expertise in two or more areas relevant to local authority legal work.
• Strong track record of providing clear, solutions-focused legal advice on high-risk or complex issues.
• Excellent understanding of local government law, decision-making frameworks and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of related areas such as Planning, Housing, Enforcement, Property, or Children and Adult Services highly desirable

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.
Click the link below and Apply Today!
Alternatively, to arrange an informal discussion about the role, contact Neil Allen, Head of Legal Services via . (Strictly no agencies).
Closing date: Sunday 25th January 2026 at 11pm
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.

Skills Required