Associate; PQE

We are seeking to recruit an Associate (preferably with between 3-6years PQE) to join our well-regarded public sector team in Exeter specialising in public procurement law.

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 providers, central government and other public sector bodies on their major projects spanning sectors such as EV charging, 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 on a wide range of non-contentious matters concerning the application of public sector procurement rules, 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.

You’ll also support the disputes team with advice on procurement challenges.

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.

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. Wider public sector 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 and analytic skills, and have excellent attention to detail. You will be able to communicate clearly with clients both in writing and face-to-face, exercising good commercial judgment in order to find the best possible outcomes for our clients.

You will also have excellent awareness and understanding of the legal and political 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 to manage your own case load, with appropriate support and supervision enabling you to develop your skills and expertise within 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.

At Ashfords, we believe in more than just doing great work - we believe in building a great place to work.

When you join us, you become part of a team where everything we do is underpinned by our four core values:
Be Open, Think Team, Make a Difference and Always Grow. These values shape who we are and how we work - they guide our decisions, influence our culture, and drive the way we support our people, clients and communities.

With a clear focus on innovation, community involvement, and supporting a healthy work-life balance, we are committed to building an environment where our people can have a rewarding and meaningful career.

Whilst we recognise that every career journey is unique, we will be ambitious for you, giving you the tools, trust, and opportunities to develop your career, your way.

Our goal? To help you realise your full potential as part of a forward-thinking team.

We know that our people are at the heart of everything we do – and that’s why we’re committed to supporting your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance.

Beyond our benefits package, you’ll be encouraged, no matter what your role or career level, to get involved in our Responsible Business programme, where you’ll support initiatives such as charity fundraising,…