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- Tasks: Provide legal advice on complex planning and environment projects.
- Company: Join Hampshire County Council, a top-performing local authority in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while working on high-profile projects.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate.
- Other info: Work within a Lexcel accredited legal department known for its excellence.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Legal Adviser to join our Planning & Environment Legal team at Hampshire County Council. Are you looking for a challenging and diverse role working as part of a friendly and supportive team, with an opportunity to make a real difference? Join our friendly and supportive Lexcel accredited legal department, passionate about delivering the best for Hampshire and making a real difference to the community!
Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. Our large legal service supports all Hampshire County Council directorates and a wide range of other public service organisations. Working on matters that are as challenging as they are rewarding, you will advise on a range of interesting, varied, meaningful, high profile and complex projects at the very forefront of public interest, delivering improvements to people's lives.
The Role:
The role of Senior Legal Adviser in the Planning and Environment Team includes the provision of legal advice and representation to the County Council’s directorates, committees, members and other external partners and client bodies. Your role will not only increase the efficiency of the team but also that of the County Council as a whole and offers the unique level of support that comes with working within our well-respected team and Hampshire County Council generally.
What you’ll do:
- You will join the Planning and Environment Team, working with colleagues in all Hampshire County Council directorates and third-party clients.
- You will take responsibility for a large and varied casework, some of which may be complex planning work such as s.106, s.278 and s.38 agreements, legal research, public inquiries and offering assistance and mentoring to colleagues.
What we’re looking for:
- We are looking for an in-house Planning and Environment Lawyer who must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive Lawyer (Fellow of CILEX) with a current practising certificate for England & Wales.
- You will be successful in the role if you:
- are able to demonstrate sound legal skills and judgment; a pragmatic solution focussed approach; strong client relationship and communication skills; an ability to work on your own initiative.
- are a team player with strong collaborative skills; resilience and motivation; and an ability to prioritise effectively to meet strict deadlines.
- demonstrate core values of patience, empathy, and compassion.
- have sound IT skills and able to accurately record information.
Contact Detail:
Hampshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning and Environment Senior Legal Adviser
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific legal frameworks and regulations related to planning and environment law in England and Wales. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of planning and environmental law. Attend relevant seminars, workshops, or local council meetings to meet potential colleagues and gain insights into current challenges and developments in the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific case studies or examples from your previous experience that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex legal issues. This will showcase your practical knowledge and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Hampshire County Council's recent projects and initiatives in planning and environment. Being able to reference these during your discussions will show your genuine interest in the organisation and its goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning and Environment Senior Legal Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the specific responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Legal Adviser position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in planning and environment law. Provide examples of complex casework you have handled, particularly any relevant agreements or legal research that showcases your expertise.
Showcase Soft Skills: The role requires strong client relationship and communication skills. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively, manage relationships, and handle challenging situations with patience and empathy.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a legal role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Showcase Your Legal Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your legal qualifications and experience in detail. Highlight specific cases or projects you've worked on that relate to planning and environment law, demonstrating your sound legal skills and judgment.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Since the role requires a pragmatic solution-focused approach, think of examples where you've successfully navigated complex legal issues. Be ready to explain how you approached these challenges and the outcomes.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
As a team player, it's important to convey your ability to work collaboratively. Share experiences where you've effectively worked with colleagues or external partners, showcasing your strong communication and relationship-building skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-life scenarios related to planning and environment law. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making in these situations to demonstrate your resilience and initiative.
