If you’re considering a career in law with a focus on public procurement, becoming a Public Procurement Solicitor could be a highly rewarding path. This role not only offers diverse and challenging work but also places you at the heart of government and public sector projects. At The Legists, we believe in providing insightful and detailed information to help you understand the intricacies of this exciting profession.
In this blog, we’ll break down what it takes to become a Public Procurement Lawyer, the essential skills needed, Public Procurement Solicitor job responsibilities, and the career prospects that come with it.
What is a Public Procurement Solicitor?
A Public Procurement Solicitor specializes in legal matters surrounding the procurement process of public contracts. These contracts can range from government infrastructure projects to public sector services. Public procurement law is complex and highly regulated, often involving multiple stakeholders, compliance requirements, and the need for transparency and fairness.
In this role, solicitors provide legal guidance to government bodies, contractors, and suppliers. They help navigate complex regulations, avoid potential legal pitfalls, and ensure that procurement processes align with legal and ethical standards.
Key Responsibilities of a Public Procurement Solicitor
Being a Public Procurement Solicitor involves a variety of responsibilities, all of which are critical to ensuring that public sector contracts are awarded fairly and in compliance with the law.
1. Advising on Procurement Laws and Regulations
Public Procurement Solicitors must stay up-to-date with ever-evolving laws and regulations surrounding public procurement. These include both national and international laws. The solicitor must advise clients—whether public bodies or private entities—on the legal implications of their decisions throughout the procurement process.
2. Drafting and Negotiating Contracts
Another core responsibility is drafting and negotiating contracts. Whether it’s creating tender documents or finalizing terms and conditions, procurement solicitors ensure that contracts are legally sound and protect the interests of their clients.
3. Dispute Resolution
Disputes often arise during the procurement process, whether over contract terms, bid evaluations, or supplier performance. Public Procurement Solicitors play an essential role in resolving these disputes. They represent clients in negotiations and, if necessary, court proceedings.
4. Ensuring Compliance
Compliance is a key focus of public procurement law. Solicitors must help clients understand and adhere to both local and European Union procurement regulations. Ensuring compliance helps prevent legal challenges and penalties related to improper practices.
5. Litigation and Judicial Reviews
Public procurement can sometimes lead to litigation. Solicitors in this field may be involved in judicial reviews, challenging procurement decisions made by public authorities. This could involve reviewing procurement processes to ensure they meet legal standards and fairness.
Skills Required to Succeed as a Public Procurement Solicitor
To excel in a Public Procurement Solicitor role, there are several skills and attributes that you must possess:
1. Strong Knowledge of Procurement Law
Naturally, a deep understanding of procurement law is essential. You’ll need to be familiar with the regulations that govern the procurement process in various jurisdictions, including European Union directives and domestic laws.
2. Attention to Detail
Given the complexity of procurement processes, a Public Procurement Solicitor must have excellent attention to detail. This skill is crucial when reviewing procurement documents, negotiating contracts, and identifying potential legal risks.
3. Negotiation Skills
As a Public Procurement Solicitor, you will spend much of your time negotiating contracts and resolving disputes. Strong negotiation skills are key to ensuring favorable terms for your clients.
4. Communication Skills
Effective communication is a must. Whether you’re drafting legal documents, advising clients, or representing your client in court, clear and precise communication is critical to success in this role.
5. Problem-Solving Abilities
Procurement issues often arise unexpectedly, requiring quick thinking and problem-solving. A successful solicitor must be able to offer practical legal solutions to challenges that come up during the procurement process.
6. Commercial Awareness
Public procurement isn’t just about following legal processes. It also requires an understanding of the commercial and business implications of procurement decisions. A good solicitor must have commercial awareness to help clients navigate the business side of procurement as well.
Qualifications and Experience for a Public Procurement Solicitor
While the specifics of qualifications can vary depending on the employer and jurisdiction, there are some general requirements that candidates must meet to become a Public Procurement Solicitor.
1. Law Degree
The first step toward becoming a Public Procurement Solicitor is to obtain a law degree (LLB) or a graduate diploma in law (GDL) if your background is in another field.
2. Legal Practice Course (LPC)
After completing your law degree, you must undertake the Legal Practice Course (LPC). This is a postgraduate qualification that provides practical training in the skills needed to become a solicitor.
3. Training Contract
Following the LPC, you’ll need to secure a training contract with a law firm or organization specializing in public procurement. This hands-on experience is vital for developing your legal skills and gaining insight into the procurement process.
4. Specialized Knowledge in Procurement Law
In addition to general legal qualifications, it’s highly beneficial to have specialized knowledge or a postgraduate qualification in public procurement law. Some solicitors in this field also pursue certifications that demonstrate their expertise in procurement law, such as those offered by professional bodies.
5. Experience in Public Sector or Procurement Law
Experience within the public sector or with public procurement is highly desirable. Some solicitors enter the field by working with government bodies, regulatory agencies, or procurement consultancies.
Career Prospects for Public Procurement Solicitors
The career prospects for Public Procurement Solicitors are promising, particularly in the growing public sector and government contracting spaces. This career path offers various opportunities for progression and specialization.
1. Private Practice or In-House Roles
You can work in private practice, focusing on public procurement law for clients, or you can pursue in-house roles within large organizations, where you would manage procurement and legal matters internally.
2. Specialization and Advancement
As you gain experience, you may choose to specialize further within the procurement field. Specializations could include areas like international procurement, defense procurement, or sustainable procurement. With time and expertise, you can advance to senior positions such as head of legal, partner at a law firm, or chief legal officer for a public authority.
3. Public Sector Opportunities
Public Procurement Solicitors can also work directly for government agencies or public sector organizations. This can include roles within regulatory bodies, government departments, or public corporations.
4. Consulting and Teaching
With the knowledge and experience gained, you might also consider transitioning into consulting or academic roles. You could advise organizations on best practices in public procurement or teach procurement law to future lawyers.
Salary Expectations for Public Procurement Solicitors
Salaries for Public Procurement Solicitors can vary based on location, experience, and whether you work in private practice or the public sector. However, here’s a general breakdown:
- Entry-Level (0-2 years experience): £40,000 – £50,000
- Mid-Level (3-5 years experience): £50,000 – £70,000
- Senior-Level (5+ years experience): £70,000 – £100,000 or more, depending on seniority and the organization.
Working in London or other large metropolitan areas generally commands higher salaries, while roles in the public sector might offer slightly lower salaries but often come with additional benefits like job stability and pensions.
Conclusion
A career as a Public Procurement Solicitor is a dynamic and rewarding option for law professionals interested in the public sector. Whether you’re advising clients on procurement laws, negotiating contracts, or resolving disputes, this role provides a wealth of opportunities for growth and specialization.
If you’re passionate about the legal aspects of public procurement and enjoy working on large-scale government projects, this could be the ideal career path for you. At The Legists, we help connect talented individuals with opportunities in the field of law, including public procurement, so you can take the next step in your legal career.
Let us guide you as you embark on your journey to becoming a Public Procurement Solicitor.
