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- Tasks: Join our dynamic legal team, tackling diverse planning and highways law projects daily.
- Company: North East Lincolnshire Council is committed to community regeneration and impactful legal services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, hybrid options, and no traditional billing pressures.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience in local government law.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with strong communication skills; local authority experience preferred but not essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for training, mentorship, and career progression await you!
The predicted salary is between 36700 - 48700 £ per year.
Are you an experienced legal professional looking for an opportunity that offers flexible working, a diverse career path and progression? We are recruiting a qualified Senior Solicitor or Staff Solicitor on a permanent full-time basis with significant knowledge of planning and highways law. If you are looking for excitement, where every day is different, and your role makes a huge impact on a local community, this is it.
Our Purpose
North East Lincolnshire Council’s Legal Services team is a dynamic and integral part of the Council, playing a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the Council Plan and the achievement of organisational objectives. Legal Services have been fundamental in delivering vital projects within the borough including:
- Regeneration of Riverhead Square and St James Square within Grimsby Town Centre
- The redevelopment of Sea Road, Pier Gardens and Market Place, Cleethorpes
Your Role
We are seeking an experienced Staff Solicitor or Senior Solicitor on a full time permanent basis to join our Legal Services team. No two days within the Council’s legal team are the same and you will have a large and diverse caseload including development projects linked to the Council’s dynamic regeneration program, and planning and highways matters. Your main responsibilities will include:
- Providing expert advice to client departments and senior management on major regeneration projects within North East Lincolnshire;
- Providing expert advice to clients on a variety of planning and highways transactions including (but not limited to) agreements under s106 Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and s278 Highways Act 1980;
- Drafting and negotiation of s106 agreements, traffic regulation orders, diversion orders and public path orders;
- Attending and advising at Planning Committees and Portfolio Holder meetings;
- Advising on enforcement of planning conditions and highway regulations;
- Delivering training to officers and Councillors, as appropriate;
- Serving as a mentor for junior team members;
- Advising on all matters within the relevant subject areas as well as governance and local authority specific issues.
As a local authority solicitor, you’ll often be called upon to advise on a range of other issues and so an adaptable, flexible and solution focused approach is essential.
Why join NELC’s Legal Team?
The team are a mix of experienced solicitors, senior legal officers, trainee solicitors and legal officers, covering a broad range of areas, and sharing their expertise and experience to work together effectively. We work in a collaborative yet independent environment and ensure all members of the team are supported on their matters where assistance and guidance is provided when required. The team are busy, friendly and welcoming and are happy to assist and provide advice to achieve the best value and outcome for client departments and the Council overall. Joining our team would provide a candidate with experience of high value projects, and further insight into local government law and governance. Working in North East Lincolnshire Council’s legal team provides a high level of flexibility in terms of working arrangements and hours, including hybrid home and office working and flexi-time. In addition, the in-house legal team do not complete traditional legal time-recording and billing in comparison to some private sector law. The work conducted by the team has a significant impact on the local area and the successful candidate’s input on these projects and schemes is highly valued. Development opportunities are also available in terms of additional training, shadowing other members of the team, and career progression.
About You
You should be a qualified Solicitor, complying with the requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Local authority experience is desired but not essential. If you have the transferable skills the Council will commit to providing you with the restorative and supportive environment you need to succeed. If you want a challenge, a diverse caseload and to break away from traditional billing focused private sector work, this is the job for you! You will have significant experience in providing clear and concise legal advice and drafting of commercial documents. You will have a high level of communication skills, be an adaptable and driven individual and be able to manage a fast-paced working environment. You are a dynamic and skilled individual with commercial experience who can apply their knowledge and skills and is open to a new challenge. Think you can make a difference? We want to hear from you.
Your Application
All applicants are advised to carefully read the information provided in the Role Profile and Person Specification. If you require an informal discussion about the role please contact: Hannah Steer, 01472 324017; Simon Jones, 01472 324004; Eve Richardson-Smith, 01472 324159.
To apply please click the Apply Now link below. This role expires 20/04/2025.
Solicitor (Full Time) employer: New Start
Contact Detail:
New Start Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor (Full Time)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific planning and highways laws relevant to North East Lincolnshire. Understanding local regulations and recent case law can give you an edge in discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of North East Lincolnshire Council’s Legal Services team. They can provide insights into the team culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with regeneration projects and how you've contributed to similar initiatives in the past. Highlighting relevant examples will demonstrate your capability to handle the diverse caseload mentioned in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your adaptability and problem-solving skills during any informal discussions or interviews. The role requires a flexible approach, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous positions.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor (Full Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description and person specification for the Solicitor position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, particularly in planning and highways law.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasise your legal qualifications, any local authority experience, and your ability to provide clear legal advice.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the impact you can make within the North East Lincolnshire Council. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your expertise in planning and highways law.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the legal field.
How to prepare for a job interview at New Start
✨Know Your Planning and Highways Law
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning and highways law, as this role requires significant expertise in these areas. Be prepared to discuss relevant legislation and how it applies to local authority projects.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a solicitor, clear communication is key. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to convey complex legal concepts in an understandable way, especially when discussing past experiences where you advised clients or presented at meetings.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Think of examples from your previous work where you successfully navigated challenges in a fast-paced environment.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
This role involves working collaboratively within a diverse team. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively with others, mentored junior colleagues, or contributed to team success in previous positions.
