Cumberland Council
Senior Lawyer - CMB2624e
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Salary: £56,883 to £59,198 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Civic Centre, Carlisle (hybrid working available)
Contract: Permanent
About This Opportunity
A career as a local government lawyer is both rewarding and challenging. This is a unique opportunity to develop your career within a dynamic legal team to support the Council in its ambitions. Our busy, in-house legal team supports the Council in all aspects of its work, and we are looking for someone who is proactive, innovative, and collaborative and who enjoys a varied and interesting workload. If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!
The Role
As a Senior Lawyer in the Children's Legal Team, you will manage a team of Lawyers, Legal Officers, and Legal Assistants. In addition, you will support the Group Lawyer, Senior Legal Manager, and Chief Legal Officer in delivering an excellent legal service to all local authority departments, with a particular focus on Children's Services.
You will also manage a caseload of complex children's social care matters, including the preparation and conduct of cases before the Family Court, together with advocacy where appropriate. The role will also involve providing legal advice and assistance at all levels across the local authority.
You will be supported by Legal Officers and Legal Assistants, while benefiting from overall supervision and strategic guidance from the Group Lawyer.
In addition, you will contribute to the management and development of the wider Legal Services function and support the organisation in achieving and maintaining high standards of corporate governance and legal practice. You will help ensure compliance with Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requirements and the continuous delivery of high-quality legal services.
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This role is available on a permanent basis.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking qualified and admitted Solicitors, Barristers, or Chartered Legal Executives, ideally with experience and knowledge of children's social care law.
This is an excellent career opportunity for individuals looking to progress into a role that combines leadership and supervision responsibilities with the management of a complex and strategically important caseload.
You will lead, support, and manage a highly experienced team of professionals within a friendly, open, and collaborative environment. As a service, we are committed to the development and progression of our employees and actively encourage continuous learning and career advancement.
We are looking for excellent communicators with the ability to work effectively in a high-pressure environment. A positive, open, and honest approach to leadership and management is essential.
Cumberland Council is a modern and supportive employer, with both the technology and commitment to enable employees to work flexibly and efficiently.
Our Legal Services team currently operates through a hybrid working model, combining remote working with office-based attendance. Attendance at court, key meetings, and the office when required will form an essential part of the role.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Martin McAlister by email at martinjohn.mcalister@cumbria.gov.uk.
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.
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- Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leaveers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more.
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.
Application and Interview Information
Closing date: 21st August 2026
Interview date: W/C 31st August 2026
If you experience any difficulties logging in to apply for this role, please contact the HR Systems team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Please Read The Supporting Information
Post Specification
Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:
- Our Staff Benefits
- Candidate Support
- About Cumberland Council
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