Lawyer

East Cambridgeshire District Council; Littleport; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Childcare scheme

Training and development

Occupational health programme

Holiday and sickness scheme

Local government pension scheme

Job summary

East Cambridgeshire District Council in Ely is recruiting a Lawyer to provide timely, accurate legal support to officers, members and committees. The role covers conveyancing, leases, planning obligations, civil and criminal litigation, and contracts, with a view to developing experience across a varied local government caseload.

Reporting to the Director Legal, you will draft documents, negotiate contracts, attend meetings and contribute to service improvements.

Qualifications

• Educated to A-level standard or equivalent with Associate or Graduate membership of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, or another relevant legal qualification.
• Strong drafting skills and clear communication with a wide range of audiences.
• Knowledge of local government law and experience in one or more relevant practice areas.

Responsibilities

• Draft legal documents, correspondence, advice and reports accurately and professionally.
• Handle conveyancing matters, including leases and documentation relating to the acquisition and disposal of property interests.
• Negotiate and draft planning obligations under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
• Prepare pleadings for civil and criminal litigation and represent the Director Legal in related proceedings, as appropriate.
• Draft and complete contracts and associated documentation.
• Attend meetings to provide legal advice and undertake resulting actions.
• Support training, service improvement and quality standards, including relevant accreditation requirements.

Skills

Legal drafting

Communication

Local government law

Education

A-level or equivalent with CILEX membership

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you ready to build your legal career with broader responsibility? East Cambridgeshire District Council has an exciting Lawyer opportunity!

Location: Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4EE

Salary: 38,510 to 44,253 per annum

Job Type: Permanent, full time

Closing Date: Monday 16 November 2026

About Us:

East Cambridgeshire District Council serves local communities across the region, providing essential services and support. The Council prioritises environmental sustainability and has been awarded silver accreditation by the Investors in the Environment scheme, ranking 43rd out of 164 councils on the national climate scorecard.

Lawyer - The Role:

Reporting to the Director Legal, you will provide timely, accurate and practical legal support to officers, members, committees and the Corporate Management Team. Your work will cover a broad range of local government matters, including conveyancing and leases, planning obligations, civil and criminal litigation, and contracts. This is a career progression role designed to help you develop experience across a varied local government caseload.

Lawyer - Key Responsibilities:

• Draft legal documents, correspondence, advice and reports accurately and professionally
• Handle conveyancing matters, including leases and documentation relating to the acquisition and disposal of property interests
• Negotiate and draft planning obligations under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990
• Prepare pleadings for civil and criminal litigation and represent the Director Legal in related proceedings, as appropriate
• Draft and complete contracts and associated documentation
• Attend meetings to provide legal advice and undertake resulting actions
• Support training, service improvement and quality standards, including relevant accreditation requirements

Lawyer - You:

• Educated to A-level standard or equivalent with Associate or Graduate membership of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, or another relevant legal qualification
• Sound legal knowledge and strong drafting skills with the ability to communicate clearly with a wide range of audiences
• Knowledge of local government law and experience in one or more relevant practice areas
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to organise and prioritise your own workload in a changing environment
• Accuracy, attention to detail and confidence working to deadlines
• Customer-focused, collaborative approach with a positive, self-motivated attitude
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and willingness to learn Council systems

Benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements considered subject to service needs
• Childcare scheme in approved cases
• Training and development opportunities
• Occupational health programme
• Holiday and sickness scheme entitlements
• Local government pension scheme

Closing Date: Monday 16 November 2026