Lead Lawyer - Housing - WMF2443e

The Cumbria County Council; Kendal, Penrith; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in the UK is seeking a Lead Lawyer to support housing work including property and regeneration matters. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, a team-oriented mindset, and the ability to handle legal queries related to housing. This role offers flexible working arrangements, along with benefits such as a pension scheme and enhanced annual leave.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Enhanced annual leave allowance

Various perks and discounts

Qualifications

• Proven track record of delivering to deadlines.
• Experience in property, housing, and regeneration matters.
• Ability to advise on local government law.

Responsibilities

• Support the Council's Housing work as a Lead Lawyer.
• Prepare and negotiate grant agreements.
• Advise on S106 Agreements and housing litigation.

Skills

Strong team player

Effective communication skills

Good IT literacy

Job description

Job reference REQ00000019204 Date posted 17/11/2025 Application closing date 29/12/2025 Location Various Locations Salary £51,356 - £52,413 Package Blank Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Attachments Blank

Job description

Location: Barrow, Kendal or Penrith however flexible and/or home working is available

Contract Type: Permanent

About this opportunity

A great opportunity has arisen at Westmorland and Furness Council within our Legal Team for a Lead Lawyer to support on the Council’s Housing work.

To be a success in our Legal Team you will have experience and have a good working knowledge in some or all of the following:

• property, housing and regeneration matters, as well as a broad understanding of local government law.
• preparing grant agreements including provisions to secure affordable housing in perpetuity.
• advising on the authority’s role in delivery of government-funded schemes e.g. relating to delivery of energy performance and low carbon heating upgrades.
• preparing and negotiating grant agreements and contracts.
• awareness and ideally some experience of advising on S106 Agreements.
• housing and disrepair litigation.

The role will be the key contact / Business Partner for legal enquiries relating to Housing in the Council.

Who we are looking for…

You will be a strong team player with a proven track record of delivering to deadlines, have effective communication skills and be able to use sound judgement to solve problems.

You will be used to working in a busy pressurised environment and will enjoy a challenge.

A commitment to delivering the best possible service for the benefit of our residents and clients, is required.

You must have good IT literacy skills and an ability to use electronic publications for the purpose of legal work and research are critical.

Other duties will include dealing with a range of matter including providing advice to officers and elected members, attending Council Committees and working groups as required.

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)

Would you like to find out more?

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

• Post Specification
• Role Profile

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 29 December 2025

Interview date: 12 January 2026

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

Safer Recruitment & DBS

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our 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.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, 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 (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.