Senior Lawyer

Senior Lawyer

Preston Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead environmental legal work and provide strategic advice on sustainability projects.
  • Company: Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to tackling climate change and biodiversity crises.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, enhanced leave, and various perks including discounts.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team focused on impactful environmental initiatives and community support.
  • Qualifications: Strong experience in environmental law, contract negotiation, and effective communication skills required.
  • Other info: Flexible working options available; role based in Barrow, Kendal, or Penrith.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

A great opportunity has arisen at Westmorland and Furness Council within our Legal Team for a Senior Lawyer to lead on the Council’s environmental work. To be a success in our Legal Team you will have strong experience in providing both strategic and regulatory advice on the environment, natural capital and climate and sustainability to clients, and who also has skills and experience in contractual drafting and negotiation in this area. We recognise that a key skill will be adaptability and ability to collaborate and learn given the new and evolving nature of this practice area.

Example areas of the type of experience we are looking for include:

  • Advising on natural capital projects in the UK;
  • Advising on carbon offsetting projects in the UK;
  • Drafting and negotiating commercial agreements in relation to Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Flood Resilience, BNG, Nutrient Neutrality, natural capital investment, carbon offsetting and other ecosystems services outcomes;
  • Providing advice on other climate and sustainability matters, including environmental projects, grants, contracts and other related agreements;
  • Advising on the establishment and operation of natural capital projects, including habitat banks for Biodiversity Net Gain and Nutrient Neutrality, carbon offsetting and other ecosystems services.

Other duties will include dealing with a range of matters including providing advice to Officers and Elected Members, attending Council Meetings, Committees and working groups as required. Nature and Climate Change are key priorities of Westmorland and Furness Council having declared both a climate and biodiversity crises. We are aiming to be at the forefront of climate mitigation, climate adaptation and nature recovery, helping our communities adapt to our changing world.

Delivering the best possible service for the benefit of our residents and clients is important to us, so we are looking for a strong team player with a proven track record of delivering to deadlines, who has effective communication skills and is able to use sound judgement to solve problems. To thrive in this role, you will be used to working in a busy pressurised environment and will enjoy a challenge. Additionally, good ICT literacy and the ability to use electronic publications for the purpose of legal work and research is critical.

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes.

If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal conversation about this opportunity, then please contact Danielle Walls.

Closing date: 1st June 2025

Senior Lawyer employer: Westmorland And Furness Council

Westmorland and Furness Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, employees have the unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that impact local communities while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive pension scheme and enhanced annual leave.
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Contact Detail:

Westmorland And Furness Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest environmental laws and regulations in the UK. This will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the environmental law sector. Attend relevant seminars or webinars, and connect with individuals on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights and potentially get referrals for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to natural capital and climate sustainability. Be ready to explain your role, the challenges faced, and how you contributed to successful outcomes.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Westmorland and Furness Council's current initiatives and priorities regarding climate change and biodiversity. Tailoring your conversation to align with their goals can show your genuine interest in the position.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer

Legal Expertise in Environmental Law
Contractual Drafting and Negotiation
Advisory Skills on Natural Capital Projects
Knowledge of Climate Change Legislation
Understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Experience with Carbon Offsetting Projects
Ability to Provide Strategic and Regulatory Advice
Strong Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability to Evolving Legal Practices
Team Collaboration
ICT Literacy for Legal Research
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Sound Judgement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in environmental law, natural capital projects, and contractual drafting. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for environmental issues and how your skills align with the Council's goals. Mention your adaptability and collaborative spirit, as these are key traits they are looking for.

Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on roles where you provided strategic and regulatory advice related to climate and sustainability. Highlight any successful projects or initiatives you've led.

Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about how you would respond to questions regarding your approach to legal challenges in environmental matters. Be ready to discuss your problem-solving skills and how you handle pressure in a busy environment.

How to prepare for a job interview at Westmorland And Furness Council

✨Showcase Your Expertise in Environmental Law

Make sure to highlight your experience in environmental law, particularly in areas like natural capital projects and carbon offsetting. Be prepared to discuss specific cases where you've provided strategic advice or negotiated contracts related to these topics.

✨Demonstrate Adaptability and Collaboration Skills

Given the evolving nature of environmental law, it's crucial to show that you can adapt to new challenges. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or clients to navigate complex legal issues in this field.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to use sound judgement to resolve legal issues, especially in a busy environment, and be ready to articulate these situations clearly.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Council Priorities

Research Westmorland and Furness Council's current initiatives regarding climate change and biodiversity. Being knowledgeable about their priorities will not only demonstrate your interest but also allow you to align your answers with their goals during the interview.

Senior Lawyer
Westmorland And Furness Council
Location: Preston
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