About this opportunity

We are looking for two lawyers to join our organisation in the Employment and Litigation Team as follows:

• An Employment lawyer with a good knowledge of employment law and experiencing of handling Tribunal claims, advising HR and other professional clients/colleagues on various employment matters and drafting settlement agreements.
• A Litigation lawyer with a good knowledge of the CPR and experience of managing civil claims (including assisting insurers and external lawyers on insurance matters) and also experience in regulatory and criminal matters, including trading standards, enforcement actions and breaches of licensing conditions.

Key Responsibilities for both roles:

• Undertake all legal work allocated to the post holder by Lead Lawyer or Group Lawyer and to provide expert written and verbal legal advice to Members and Officers and draft proceedings and other legal documents.
• Manage a caseload and keep accurate records using the legal case management system
• Conduct preliminary/case managements hearings in court/tribunal and attend meetings, committees as required to take instruction and provide advice.
• Other duties commensurate with the grade, skills, experience and qualifications of the post holder as directed and as required.
• Protect and promote the Council’s interests in the course of all advice, drafting, negotiations and advocacy; meeting deadlines, and all procedures followed correctly.

Candidates will be qualified Solicitors, Barristers or Legal Executives. Applications from candidates close to qualification who can demonstrate relevant knowledge experience and are able to carry of the key responsibilities for the role, may also be considered.

This is a fantastic career opportunity for those looking to join an emerging team, to assist in providing a comprehensive and professional service and contribute to the legal team more generally.

You will receive the support of legal officers and legal assistants whilst benefitting from overall supervision from the Lead or Group Lawyers.

Excellent communicators, the ability to work in a high-pressure environment, and an open and honest approach to management, are all qualities we are looking for in our Lawyers. Westmorland and Furness Council is a modern and supportive employer, and we have both the technology and the commitment to allow our employees to work flexibly and efficiently.

If you are looking for a new challenge, in a friendly, supportive, and professionally stimulating environment, then we want to hear from you.

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 and have the ability to travel to attend in person courts/tribunals

What can we offer you!

• Excellent training and development offers
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Boost your pension with Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (facilitated by AVC Wise).
• Various perks and discounts schemes, including money off your phone contract and local gyms.
• Competitive rates of pay.
• A 12-month digital trial (from 1 June 2024) of a new scheme that allows free workplace car parking for employees in all Westmorland and Furness Council owned car parks between Monday to Friday.

Application and Interview information

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss.

If you are invited to a virtual interview, this will preferably be undertaken using the Microsoft Teams software, which is currently free for new users, however if there are any issues with accessing this technology, we are happy to discuss alternative arrangements prior to the interviews.

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 Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

Closing date: 8 December 2024
Interview dates: W/c 16 December 2024