Job details
Job reference
REQ
Date posted
22/12/2025
Application closing date
16/01/2026
Location
CARLISLE
Salary
£51,356 to £52,413 per annum
Package
Blank
Contractual hours
37
Basis
Full time
Lead Lawyer (Property) - CMB2230e
Job description
Salary: £ 51,356 to £52,413 per annum
Hours: 37 per week (would consider part-time working arrangements)
Location: Carlisle (Hybrid working arrangements available)
Contract: Fixed Term (Until March 2027)
About this opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Lead Lawyer (Property) to join our Legal Services team. This is a key role within the legal team, providing high-quality, commercial, and practical legal advice on complex and high-profile matters that support the Council's strategic objectives and corporate governance.
You will lead on one or more specialist areas of law, supervise and mentor colleagues, and manage a caseload of significant property-related matters. This is an excellent opportunity to influence policy, contribute to strategic projects, and ensure the delivery of cost-effective legal services.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide expert legal advice on property law and related areas to support strategic planning, policy development, and corporate governance.
* Manage a caseload of complex and high-risk matters property matters,
* Supervise and develop team members, including trainee solicitors, ensuring high standards of practice.
* Lead on specialist areas of law, supporting the Senior/Group Lawyer in service development.
* Advise senior managers emerging legal issues.
* Work as part of strategic projects groups and provide proactive leadership in relation to the legal advice required as part of the project delivery.
About You
* Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive (ILEX) with at least 3 years' post-qualification experience and a current practising certificate.
* Strong expertise in property law
* Knowledge of local government/administrative law would be an advantage but is not essential
* Proven experience managing complex legal matters and providing strategic advice.
* Excellent leadership, mentoring, and communication skills.
Why Join Us?
* Work on high-profile, corporately significant projects.
* Be part of a supportive and collaborative team committed to excellence.
* Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
This role is available on a fixed-term basis.
Who we're looking for
We're looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.
We're also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.
Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Elizabeth Hore by email at
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.
* 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 leavers, 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 While adjustments aren't always guaranteed, we'll always listen and we'll try our best to accommodate your needs.
Application and Interview information
Easily apply by submitting your CV and answering a few short questions
* Closing date: 16/01/2026
* Interview date: 30/01/26
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