We are seeking to recruit a confident and highly motivated Associate or Senior Associate (preferably with between 3-6 years PQE) to join our well-regarded public sector team. Ideally we would like the successful candidate to based in Exeter, however, would consider applicants looking to join us in Bristol or Plymouth.
Having had consistently high rankings in both Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, you'll be part of a high performing team which provides pragmatic, robust and commercially sound advice to local authorities, utilities, central government and other public sector bodies on their major projects spanning sectors such as telecommunications, regeneration, marine, social housing, social care, transport, energy and asset management.
As part of the public sector team, you will be involved in providing advice primarily on the public sector procurement rules but additionally on a wide range of other non-contentious matters concerning the public sector contracts, grant funding, subsidy control and local authority vires, with the opportunity to work with individuals across the firm on some of the largest public sector projects across the UK.
Reporting to and working closely with a Partner in the team, you will play an integral part in delivering advice and furthering our public sector offering.
Who you are
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who has experience of working with public sector clients or has worked in-house for a public sector body. Experience of public procurement law is essential, and further experience of commercial contracts and/or subsidy control is desirable, but not essential.
As a strong communicator, you will gain the confidence of the clients you are working with, and handle their matters proactively and diligently. You will have good drafting, research and analytical skills, and have excellent attention to detail. You will be tenacious and thorough with good commercial judgment, in order to find the best possible outcomes for our clients. You will have excellent awareness and understanding of the constraints and pressures faced by our public sector clients.
We will encourage you to take a high degree of responsibility for the matters you're working on, and we'll take every opportunity to support and develop you, providing cross working opportunities to increase experience across the team. This is a great opportunity to make a reputation for yourself in a highly regarded firm with a strong national public sector presence.
Why join Team Ashfords?
Ask our people, and they will tell you that they genuinely enjoy coming to work and spending time with their colleagues. We’re confident that once you discover our open and friendly culture, it won’t take long for you to feel the same.
We have a genuine team approach at Ashfords because we know that when talented people work together, we achieve more for our clients and each other. We also recognise that each of our career journeys is unique. So, we will be ambitious for you and give you the support you need to develop your career, your way.
Importantly, we will give you the space and flexibility for your life outside work too.
Our goal? To help you realise your full potential as part of a forward-thinking team and business.
That’s what sets us apart.
Our offer
We offer a range of benefits to support you at work and at home.
This includes a flexible working framework giving you the freedom to mix home and office working, extra annual leave for your birthday and the option to buy more holiday.
We have a comprehensive package to support physical and mental health including onsite yoga classes and a gym at our head office, healthcare plans, an Employee Assistance programme and free access for you and up to five friends to the ‘Calm’ Mindfulness App.
You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our responsible business programme, including fundraising initiatives through the Ashfords Foundation and bringing your energy to our environment or diversity groups.
For a full list of benefits, please find the attachment below.
