At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage litigation and prosecution cases, including criminal matters and civil disputes.
- Company: Join the Westmorland and Furness Council Legal Team for impactful work.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and enhanced annual leave.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and offers guaranteed interviews for eligible applicants.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEx fellow with substantial litigation experience.
The predicted salary is between 56883 - 59198 £ per year.
Job reference REQ00000020068 – Date posted 28/05/2026 – Application closing date 14/06/2026 – Salary £56,883 - £59,198 – Contractual hours 37 – Basis Full time
Location: Kendal, Penrith or Barrow (including agile working/working from home)
Contract Type: Permanent
Join the Westmorland and Furness Council Legal Team as a Senior Lawyer to assist with the Council's litigation and prosecution work.
Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of litigation and advisory matters, including:
- Prosecuting criminal matters (involving trading standards, education, fly‐tipping, licensing, waste enforcement, food hygiene and highways offences)
- Planning, Housing and Property Litigation (including Town and County Planning 1990 matters, possession claims, anti‐social behaviour, nuisance, licensing and enforcement actions under the Housing Act 2004)
- Civil litigation (including contractual, commercial disputes and debt recovery)
- Inquests and judicial review
About you
You must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEx fellow (with practising rights) with substantial litigation experience. You should be a confident, tactically aware senior litigator and advocate, with strong file‐management skills and a proven record of successfully representing clients in courts and tribunals.
You will be a strong team player, able to meet deadlines, communicate effectively and use sound judgement to solve problems. You should be comfortable working in a busy, pressurised environment and seek the challenge. Good IT literacy skills and the ability to use electronic publications for legal work and research are essential.
Other duties will include:
- Deputising for the Group Lawyer – Employment and Litigation, attending Council Committees and working groups as required
- Managing other lawyers and legal officers within the team
Benefits
You will receive a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and a range of other perks and discount schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.
EEO Statements
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 are guaranteed an interview. We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans, and those in care or care‐experienced and under 24 years old (including foster care and residential care), who meet the essential criteria for the role.
Senior Lawyer - Litigation & Prosecution - WMF2973e in Barrow in Furness employer: The Cumbria County Council
Westmorland and Furness Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes employee growth. With competitive benefits such as a robust pension scheme and enhanced annual leave, along with the flexibility of agile working from locations like Kendal, Penrith, or Barrow, this role as a Senior Lawyer in Litigation and Prosecution provides a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in the community while advancing your legal career.
Contact Details:
The Cumbria County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer - Litigation & Prosecution - WMF2973e in Barrow in Furness
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Senior Lawyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your litigation knowledge and recent case law. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence. Remember, it’s all about showcasing your experience and how you can tackle the challenges of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that excite you! Use our website to find positions that match your skills and interests. Tailor your approach to each application, highlighting your relevant experience in litigation and prosecution.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Senior Lawyer position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer - Litigation & Prosecution - WMF2973e in Barrow in Furness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Lawyer position. Highlight your relevant litigation experience and showcase how your skills align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your duties; share specific examples of cases you've successfully managed or significant outcomes you've achieved. This will help us see your impact and effectiveness as a litigator.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cumbria County Council
✨Know Your Case Law
Brush up on relevant case law and recent legal precedents that pertain to the areas of litigation and prosecution you'll be handling. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in your field.
✨Show Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've successfully represented clients in court. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your tactical awareness and problem-solving abilities.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As a Senior Lawyer, you'll need to manage other lawyers and legal officers. Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with teams in the past, showcasing your leadership skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Council's Work
Research Westmorland and Furness Council's recent litigation cases and initiatives. Understanding their priorities and challenges will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their legal team.
