Planning Lawyer

3 Months Contract With A Local Authority

The Senior Solicitor is responsible for providing high-quality legal advice and representation across a broad range of contentious and non-contentious matters, with a particular focus on planning law. The role supports the Council by delivering expert legal services across planning, property, licensing, housing, and regulatory matters, representing the Council in court where required, and ensuring legal compliance while contributing to effective decision-making and service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional legal advice to Council officers, Members, and relevant stakeholders across a range of legal matters.
  
• Manage a varied caseload of contentious and non-contentious work, with a focus on planning law.
  
• Advise on planning enforcement, building regulation enforcement, Section 106 agreements, planning inquiries, and related legal matters.
  
• Represent the Council in the Magistrates' and County Courts, undertaking advocacy where required.
  
• Prepare and conduct licensing committee hearings and provide legal advice on licensing matters.
  
• Draft, negotiate, and advise on contracts, leases, licences, tenancy agreements, easements, partnership agreements, and other legal documentation.
  
• Advise on property, housing, conveyancing, compulsory purchase, Right to Buy, and land-related matters.
  
• Support enforcement activity relating to anti-social behaviour, welfare benefit fraud, and other regulatory functions.
  
• Attend Council committee and sub-committee meetings to provide legal advice and governance support.
  
• Provide guidance and mentoring to junior legal colleagues and assist with legal research and wider team support.
  

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) with a current practising certificate.
  
• Significant experience in local government legal practice or a similar public sector environment.
  
• Strong knowledge of planning law, including both contentious and non-contentious planning matters.
  
• Experience representing clients in court and conducting advocacy.
  
• Proven ability to manage a diverse legal caseload independently and prioritise competing demands.
  
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  
• Knowledge of local government legislation, governance, and regulatory frameworks.
  
• Ability to provide practical, solution-focused legal advice while maintaining high professional standards.
  
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (Designated Car User).
  

Additional Information

• Location: Broxtowe Borough Council
  
• Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)
  
• Pay: Bi-weekly payments