Lead Lawyer – Contracts and Commercial – WMF

Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking two experienced Lead Lawyers (Contracts & Commercial) to play a senior role within our Legal & Democratic Services team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to high‑profile, complex and commercially significant work that shapes the delivery of services across our organisation.

In this leadership role, you will provide high‑quality, practical and commercially focused legal advice on major contracts, procurement, commercial arrangements and corporate projects. You will also supervise and mentor colleagues, helping to develop excellence within the team and ensure high practice standards across Legal Services.

You will be managing and supervising a designated team, supporting their development and ensuring strong professional practice, while leading on a caseload of complex and high-risk contract and commercial matters, offering advice across the Council and representing the authority where required. You will provide expert legal input into strategic planning, policy development, governance, decision making and corporate projects, advise senior managers and elected members on emerging legislation, case law and other developments within your specialist area, and contribute to service planning while maintaining high standards of legal practice management.

You will be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEX Lawyer with a current practising certificate and at least 3 years’ post‑qualification experience. You will bring strong expertise in contracts, procurement or commercial law, and be confident advising at a senior level and supporting colleagues through supervision and mentoring.

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 ()

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:

• Post Specification
• Role Profile

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.

Company:
Westmorland and Furness Council

Salary: £51,356 – £52,412

Location:

Cumbria / Various, Cumbria

Sector:
Corporate Services

Sector:
Corporate Management Team

Sector:
Legal

Job Role:

Solicitor