Lead Lawyer (Employment) - CMB1079e

Cumberland Council is a newly established Unitary Council. This is an opportunity to join us at this exciting time as we continue on our journey to build the new Council and deliver even better services for our residents and businesses. A career as a local government lawyer is rewarding and challenging. This is a unique opportunity to develop your career as we look to embed our new, dynamic legal team to support the new 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 want you to apply!

The Role
As a Lead Employment Lawyer you will handle your own caseload of employment legal work which will include the preparation of cases before the Employment Tribunal across all areas, as well as the provision of legal advice and assistance across all levels of the local authority.

It is a particularly interesting and unique time to be an employment lawyer, with 4 Councils having merged into one. You will be at the forefront of advising on a wide variety of employment matters arising from the challenges the authority is facing on it's journey as a newly formed, fast developing unitary authority.

Our service is currently working both remotely and in the office environment. In person attendance at Tribunal/Court, key meetings and some office attendance will be required., Our interview process can accommodate both in-person and virtual formats, with tailored options discussed upon invitation to the interview stage. Preferred for virtual interviews is the use of Microsoft Teams, currently available for new users at no cost. However, should you encounter any challenges accessing this technology, we are open to discussing alternative arrangements prior to the scheduled interviews.

The candidate for this role will be a qualified barrister, solicitor or legal executive with an excellent knowledge of employment law. You will be able to demonstrate experience and knowledge of all areas, including operating in a Trade Union.

Please do not be put off if you have not worked in local government before - it is your determination to provide a top-class legal service which will matter most, and whilst local authority experience is desirable it is not essential. In fact, we welcome the skills and experience which you will bring from other backgrounds.

Work-Life balance
Cumberland Council is deeply invested in fostering a work culture that prioritises the well-being and balance of our team members. Embracing flexible and hybrid working models, we empower employees to achieve optimal work-life balance.

Recognising the importance of personal time, we offer a generous holiday allowance, providing ample opportunity for rest and rejuvenation. Additionally, our flexible working hours, including flexitime arrangements, further contribute to a supportive environment where individuals can effectively manage their professional and personal commitments.

Continuing Professional Development

We are committed to nurturing the ongoing growth and professional advancement of our valued team members to fulfil your potential and advance your career. Our comprehensive career development and training offer emphasises continuous learning as a cornerstone for achieving both individual and organisational goals. Through our robust Organisational Development initiatives, we offer a suite of support programmes tailored to meet diverse needs, including participation in our esteemed Aspiring to be a Manager programme and access to our enriching Coaching and Mentoring programmes.

Keeping the people we work with safe
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect unwavering commitment to this cause from our employees, volunteers, and the Externally Provided Workforce (EPWs). Together, we create a secure environment where every individual is safeguarded and respected.

We welcome applications from everyone
At Cumberland Council, we are dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce, striving to mirror the rich tapestry of the communities we proudly serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are devoted in fostering an inclusive, supportive culture that embraces and appreciates our unique differences.

As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we ensure that applicants with disabilities, meeting the essential criteria for this position, are guaranteed an interview as part of our commitment to equal opportunities. Your diverse perspectives and talents contribute to our collective success.

Reasonable Adjustments: We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know on; Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. We will ensure that these adjustments are made to accommodate your needs.

Your Voice Matters; Connect, Engage, and Make Your Voice Heard!
We don't just encourage engagement-we celebrate it. That's why we've cultivated a vibrant community of staff networking groups where every voice matters.

These groups are more than just forums-they're hubs of innovation and inclusion, dedicated to sparking fresh ideas, challenging the status quo, and championing equality and fairness for all. From exploring new perspectives to shaping policies that reflect our diverse workforce, our staff networks play a pivotal role in driving positive change.
Join us and become part of something bigger:

• Race Equality


• Rainbow Alliance


• Menopause Support


• Carers Network


• Shine Community


• Wellbeing/Health Advocates


• Be a Change Champion to shape our council's future through transformative initiatives.
  
  Competitive rates of pay and annual pay increase


• 25-31 days holiday each year plus bank holiday allowance plus option to purchase up to 2 weeks additional leave and spread the cost over 12 months


• Learning and development opportunities including development time each week (where applicable)


• Flexible working arrangements including the ability to work from home supporting a culture that fits around you (subject to role)


• Opportunity to join the generous Local Government Pension Scheme with defined benefit plans securing your future


• Boost your pension with Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (facilitated by AVC Wise)


• Money off your local gym including Better, Newfield Health, The Gym Group and Lifestyle Fitness


• In house staff support networks


• 20% off a Vodafone mobile phone contract for you and up to 5 family and friends


• Various discount schemes including RAC roadside recovery discount and money off local supportive businesses


• Employee assistance programme and access to in-house Occupational Health service including physio treatment and access to external counselling service


• Tusker car leasing salary sacrifice scheme as well as an esteem car loan scheme for essential car users


• Spec Savers eyecare voucher


• In accordance with the National Joint Council for Local Government Services