Highways and Planning Lawyer

4 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To provide expert legal advice, representation, and strategic support on Highways and Planning matters, ensuring the Council discharges its statutory functions lawfully and effectively. The role involves managing a complex caseload, undertaking advocacy where required, supporting the Monitoring Officer, supervising junior lawyers, and contributing to the continuous development and delivery of a high-quality legal service.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied and complex caseload of Highways and Planning legal matters with minimal supervision.
  
• Provide specialist legal advice to the Council, elected members, officers, and committees.
  
• Undertake and/or manage advocacy in courts, tribunals, inquiries, and hearings as required.
  
• Draft, review, and negotiate legal documents, agreements, and correspondence.
  
• Support the Monitoring Officer by advising on matters of legality and procedural compliance.
  
• Supervise, mentor, and provide guidance to junior members of the legal team.
  
• Contribute to reducing reliance on external legal providers through effective case management and in-house expertise.
  
• Assist in the leadership and management of the legal team, supporting service improvements and strategic objectives.
  
• Deliver training and legal updates to Council staff on relevant legislation and emerging legal issues.
  
• Work collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders to achieve effective legal outcomes.
  
• Maintain accurate electronic case records in accordance with Lexcel standards and the Council's case management procedures.
  

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practise in England and Wales with a current practising certificate (or eligible to obtain one).
  
• Experience managing Highways and/or Planning law matters within local government or a similar environment.
  
• Experience of, or aptitude for, advocacy.
  
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, legal procedures, and local government practice.
  
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
  
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior legal professionals.
  
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload while delivering high-quality legal advice and representation.
  
• Proficiency in electronic case management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Surrey County Council - Flexible working with office attendance as required for meetings, hearings, and business needs.
  
• Hours per Week: 35 hours.
  
• Bi-Weekly Payments