Legal Officer (Internal)

*Internal Applicants Only*

Salary: £35,570 - £36,581

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Cumbria-Wide

Contract: Permanent

About this opportunity

Cumberland Council is seeking a motivated and capable Legal Officer to join our Legal Services team. This is an excellent opportunity for a developing legal professional to handle a varied caseload, contribute to high‑quality service delivery, and gain experience within a supportive and collaborative environment.

The postholder will manage their own caseload including non‑routine legal matters, primarily within their specialist technical area. The role may include carrying out aspects of the litigation process and/or supporting the Council’s regulatory legal functions, depending on the needs of the team.

This role also includes contributing to service development and supporting the maintenance of high standards across Legal Services.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and progress a caseload including non‑routine matters within the relevant specialist technical area.
• Where applicable, undertake all aspects of the litigation process.
• Where applicable, carry out legal processes that give effect to the Council’s regulatory functions.
• Support managers, lawyers, and Senior Legal Officers with legal tasks appropriate to the level of the role.
• Contribute to service planning, implementation, review, and continuous improvement within Legal Services.
• Support and mentor less experienced colleagues and supervise junior staff where required.

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 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.

• 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 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

Easily apply by submitting your CV and answering a few short questions

• Closing date: 20^th November 2026
• Interview date: w/c 30^th November 2026

Please read the supporting information:

• Post Specification