Overview

Associate / Senior Associate

The Firm Our client is a full-service, UK Top 50 law firm with offices nationwide and a strong reputation in the South West legal market. With a well-established presence across the UK, the firm combines local knowledge with national reach, advising clients in both the private and public sectors. Their expertise spans Real Estate, Corporate, Dispute Resolution, and Private Client services. The firm is recognised for its progressive, supportive culture and commitment to career development. Ranked as one of the best law firms to work for in 2024, it also stands out for its investment in diversity, inclusion and ESG strategy.

The Opportunity

Public Sector Solicitor (Bristol)

The firm’s Tier 1 Legal 500 ranked Public Sector Team is looking for an ambitious Associate or Senior Associate to join their growing Bristol office. This is a permanent role, open to both full-time and part-time candidates, with hybrid working options available.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercial solicitor in Bristol who wants to specialise in high-quality public sector work. The team advises local and central government bodies, public authorities, education providers, healthcare organisations, police authorities, and executive agencies across the UK. The work ranges from supporting day-to-day operations to advising on high-profile, strategic projects that shape public services.

The Responsibilities

• Acting on a wide range of commercial contracts and frameworks for public sector clients in Bristol and nationally.
• Advising on procurement law, local authority powers, and public law matters (depending on experience).
• Drafting and negotiating collaboration agreements and strategic project documentation.
• Delivering clear, practical advice on complex, high-value public sector projects.
• Supporting and mentoring junior lawyers within the team.
• Building strong relationships with clients and contributing to business development in the South West.

The Candidate

• Qualified solicitor (4+ PQE) with experience in commercial contracts.
• Previous experience working with public sector clients (or a strong interest in doing so).
• Knowledge of procurement law and/or public law would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Excellent drafting, communication and negotiation skills.
• Commercially minded, with the ability to give clear, solutions-focused advice.
• Based in or willing to commute to Bristol, with an interest in growing your career in the South West legal market.
• This role is well suited to a commercial lawyer looking to develop a career in Bristol within a nationally recognised Public Sector practice.

Benefits

• The firm offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
• 25–30 days holiday (depending on level and service), plus Bank Holidays.
• Private healthcare.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Performance bonuses and profit share.
• Life assurance and permanent health insurance.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Subsidised gym membership and electric car scheme.
• Hybrid/agile working and “dress for your day” policy.

Apply Now

If you’re a commercial solicitor looking for public sector roles in Bristol, or a South West lawyer ready to step into a Tier 1 ranked Public Sector team, we’d love to hear from you.