Hours: 18 hours per week

Location(s): Kendal, Penrith or Barrow (including agile working/working from home)

About this opportunity

A great opportunity has arisen at Westmorland and Furness Council within our Legal Team for a Senior Lawyer to assist with the Council’s corporate and governance legal work.

To be a success in our Legal Team you will have experience and knowledge in:

• Providing legal advice in relation to local government law, constitutional matters and decision-making including the preparation of reports and legal advice to the Council, the Executive and committees and officer delegated decision reports.
• Members' Standards matters including complaints alleging breaches of the Council’s Code of Conduct for Members.
• Local Government Ombudsman matters and complaints.

You will be a strong team player with a proven track record of delivering to deadlines, have effective communication skills and be able to use sound judgement to solve problems. You will be used to working in a busy pressurised environment and will enjoy a challenge.

A commitment to delivering the best possible service for the benefit of our residents and clients is important and you must have good IT literacy skills and an ability to use electronic publications for the purpose of legal work and research. Ideally you will have experience of working in a local authority and/or knowledge of local authority governance.

Other duties will include attending Council Committees and working groups as required.

The base for this role is flexible, though it is likely that you will be asked to work from South Lakeland House, Kendal on occasion.

Safer Recruitment

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all employees, volunteers and the Externally Provided Workforce (EPWs) to share this commitment.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

Closing date: 23 October 2024

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.