At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage litigation and prosecution cases, representing clients in courts and tribunals.
- Company: Join the Westmorland and Furness Council Legal Team for a fulfilling career.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, enhanced leave, and various perks.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and supporting young applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEx fellow with substantial litigation experience required.
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 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 & 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
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend local events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you land that interview, don’t just talk about your experience—show it! Bring examples of your past cases or any relevant work that highlights your litigation skills. We want to see how you tackle challenges head-on!
✨Research the Council
Before your interview, dive deep into Westmorland and Furness Council’s recent cases and initiatives. Knowing their current projects will not only impress them but also help you tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the perks of working with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer - Litigation & Prosecution - WMF2973e
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in litigation and prosecution. We want to see how your skills align with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your duties; we want to know about your successes! Include specific examples of cases you've managed or won, especially those that relate to the areas mentioned in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
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 related to litigation and prosecution. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your expertise and understanding of the field.
✨Demonstrate Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare to showcase your advocacy skills during the interview. Think of examples where you successfully represented clients in court, and be ready to discuss your approach to litigation strategy.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a Senior Lawyer, you'll need to manage other lawyers and legal officers. Be prepared to talk about your experience in team settings, how you support colleagues, and your approach to leadership.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Council's Work
Research Westmorland and Furness Council’s recent litigation cases and initiatives. Showing that you understand their specific challenges and goals will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
