Lead Lawyer – Contracts and Commercial – WMF2715e Salary: £51,356 – £52,412 Location: Cumbria / Various, Cumbria Job Type: Full Time Expires: 29/03/2026 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. Responsibilities 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 supervise and mentor colleagues, helping to develop excellence within the team and ensure high practice standards across Legal Services. You will manage and supervise 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. Qualifications 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. Benefits Working at Westmorland and Furness Council, you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance, and other perks and discount schemes. Application For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria, please view the attached documents: Post Specification, Role Profile. To apply, please click the Apply Now link below. Company: Westmorland and Furness Council #J-18808-Ljbffr