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- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on contracts, procurement, and construction matters.
- Company: Join Westmorland and Furness Council, a dynamic local government focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, enhanced leave, and various perks including remote work options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your legal expertise in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction law and strong communication skills are essential; local government experience is a plus.
- Other info: This is a full-time, permanent role with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Senior Lawyer – Contracts and Commercial
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Senior Lawyer – Contracts and Commercial
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Join to apply for the Senior Lawyer – Contracts and Commercial role at Westmorland and Furness Council
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Westmorland and Furness Council provided pay range
This range is provided by Westmorland and Furness Council. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Location: Kendal (including agile working and working from home)
Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity
A great opportunity has arisen within our Legal Team for a Senior Lawyer – Contracts and Commercial to support on the Council’s commercial work.
This role offers a unique opportunity to provide expert legal advice on construction, assets, highways, and economic development, with a strong focus on complex contractual and procurement matters. You’ll manage a challenging caseload, contribute to strategic planning and corporate governance, and offer guidance on NEC4, JCT, and other construction contracts. The role also involves supervising team members, representing the council in key decision-making forums, and ensuring high-quality, cost-effective legal services.
To be a success in this role, you will have experience of or knowledge in the following:
- Experience in advising on construction and assets, highways and economic development services on a range of construction, contractual and procurement matters, including those of a contentious nature.
- Experience in providing advice on commercial and contractual arrangements (including NEC4, JCT and other construction contracts).
- Independent management in accordance with practice standards of a complex and challenging caseload of files – particularly of a more complex, corporately significant and/or higher risk nature.
- Supervising and developing practice of designated team members in accordance with practice standards.
- Provision of legal advice and support to strategic planning, policy formation, projects, corporate governance, decision making, review and scrutiny and to provide representation at decision making bodies, boards/panels, working groups and on external bodies as required by the role.
- Keep under review and provide timely and practical advice to senior managers and elected members on the implications of legislation, case law and other emerging developments in the specialist technical areas relevant to the role.
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contractual documents including for example contracts for purchase of goods / services, grant agreements.
- Providing the highest level of client care and advice to clients on contract and commercial activities, offering solutions.
- Evidenced dedication to continuous professional development.
- Experience in and willingness to learn and enhance, local authority governance requirements including ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory standards.
- Experience of working in local government (desirable but not essential).
Who we are looking for…
We are looking for a proactive and collaborative professional who thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys rising to a challenge. You will bring a strong track record of meeting deadlines, excellent communication skills, and the confidence to make sound decisions and solve problems effectively.
In this role, you will handle a variety of responsibilities, including providing clear, practical advice to officers and Elected Members, and participating in Council Committees and working groups as needed.
To succeed, you’ll need strong IT skills, a well-organised approach to work, and the ability to confidently use electronic legal resources for research and casework.
Above all, you will be committed to delivering high-quality service that makes a real difference to our residents and clients.
What can we offer you!
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. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site – Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 7th July 2025
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Legal
-
Industries
Government Administration
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Senior Lawyer - Contracts and Commercial employer: Westmorland And Furness Council
Contact Detail:
Westmorland And Furness Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer - Contracts and Commercial
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific legal frameworks and regulations relevant to local government, particularly in contracts and commercial law. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in local government or similar roles. Attend relevant legal seminars or workshops to connect with others in the field, as personal recommendations can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising how you would handle complex contractual scenarios. Think about past experiences where you've successfully navigated similar challenges, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on recent developments in construction and procurement law, especially regarding NEC4 and JCT contracts. Being able to discuss current trends and changes in legislation during your interview will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer - Contracts and Commercial
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in contracts and commercial law, particularly in construction and procurement matters. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise with NEC4, JCT, and other construction contracts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the council's mission. Highlight your proactive approach and ability to manage complex caseloads, as well as your experience in providing legal advice to senior managers and elected members.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, ensure that your application reflects your ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly. Use concise language and structure your application logically to make it easy for the hiring team to follow.
Demonstrate Continuous Professional Development: Mention any recent training or professional development activities related to local government law or contract management. This shows your commitment to staying updated with legal standards and enhances your candidacy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westmorland And Furness Council
✨Know Your Contracts
Familiarise yourself with NEC4, JCT, and other construction contracts. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've advised on these types of agreements in the past.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Senior Lawyer, you'll be supervising team members. Share experiences where you've successfully led a team or mentored colleagues, highlighting your collaborative approach.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities
Prepare to discuss complex cases you've managed independently. Highlight your decision-making process and how you navigated challenges, especially in contentious matters.
✨Stay Updated on Legislation
Be ready to talk about recent developments in legislation and case law relevant to local government. This shows your commitment to continuous professional development and your proactive nature.
