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- Tasks: Lead the in-house legal service and ensure smooth daily operations.
- Company: Westmorland and Furness Council, committed to inclusivity and community service.
- Benefits: Competitive pension, enhanced leave, perks, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in legal services while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Legally qualified with experience in practice management or legal operations.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an experienced legally qualified Practice Manager to oversee the day‑to‑day operation of the Council’s in‑house legal service. Reporting to the Senior Manager – Legal, the role ensures the department operates efficiently, remains fully compliant with regulatory requirements and delivers high standards of client service.
About this opportunity
This position supports the council’s legal service transformation journey, overseeing operational systems, office management, business processes, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and staff development. The Practice Manager will manage recruitment, onboarding, case management systems, and collaborate with the finance and ICT teams to ensure secure, effective operation. The role also supports new enquiries, service performance reporting and maintaining a positive client service experience.
Responsibilities
- Oversee day‑to‑day operations of the in‑house legal service.
- Maintain regulatory compliance and manage internal reporting systems.
- Monitor financial performance and produce service performance reports.
- Support recruitment and staff development, including onboarding procedures.
- Maintain key operational systems, including case management, in partnership with the ICT team.
- Manage new enquiries and ensure efficient handling of instructions.
- Maintain accurate records and support management of work in progress.
Qualifications
- Legally qualified with experience as a Practice Manager or senior operational role in a law firm or legal department.
- Strong understanding of legal practice management, financial performance monitoring, and regulatory compliance.
- Excellent organisational, leadership and analytical skills with a solutions‑focused approach.
- Experience in recruitment processes, administrative team management, and operational system oversight.
- Familiarity with case management systems and compliance frameworks such as Lexcel or CQS is advantageous.
What we offer
- Competitive pension scheme.
- Enhanced annual leave allowance.
- Various perks and discount schemes.
- Inclusive and supportive working culture.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. All workers, employees and volunteers are required 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. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview. We also guarantee interviews to Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and under‑24s who meet the essential criteria.
Practice Manager - Legal & Democratic Services - WMF2897e in Kendal employer: The Cumbria County Council
Contact Detail:
The Cumbria County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Manager - Legal & Democratic Services - WMF2897e in Kendal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Practice Manager role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent projects and initiatives. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their legal service transformation journey. Plus, it gives you great talking points during the interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to operational management and compliance. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Manager - Legal & Democratic Services - WMF2897e in Kendal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in legal practice management. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge: Since regulatory compliance is key for this role, don’t forget to mention any relevant experience you have with compliance frameworks like Lexcel or CQS. We love seeing candidates who understand the importance of these standards!
Highlight Leadership Skills: As a Practice Manager, you'll be leading a team. Share examples of your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide others.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cumbria County Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your legal knowledge, especially around practice management and compliance frameworks like Lexcel or CQS. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your organisational and analytical skills, as well as your solutions-focused approach. This will demonstrate that you can lead the department effectively and maintain high standards of client service.
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Research Westmorland and Furness Council’s goals and recent initiatives, especially regarding their legal service transformation journey. Showing that you understand their mission and how you can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Operational Questions
Expect questions about managing day-to-day operations, financial performance monitoring, and recruitment processes. Think of specific scenarios where you've tackled similar challenges and be ready to discuss how you would handle them in this new role.