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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on planning and regeneration issues while managing a diverse caseload.
- Company: Join a dynamic Council committed to delivering excellent legal services and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours and opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while growing your legal expertise in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister with 2-4 years of relevant experience.
- Other info: Evening meetings may be required; ideal for those passionate about public service.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
To provide specialist legal advice, and put into legal effect the instructions of the Council in such a way as to provide the Council with an excellent and continuously improving legal service to enable it to fulfil its overarching vision in accordance with the Council’s priorities.
To contribute to the work of Corporate Legal Services by providing legal advice and assistance as required.
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
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Manage a full and varied caseload of legal matters with an emphasis on Planning and Regeneration issues, including giving legal advice to colleagues within the Council and its partners on the law and practice to enable the Council to discharge its functions legally and effectively.
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To deliver complex specialist advice on legal matters with minimum supervision.
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To evaluate and advise on all aspects of legal matters in a variety of forums.
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To represent the Council in applications before an Inquiry the Magistrates Court, County Court and High Court and instructing Counsel as required.
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To advise elected Members where appropriate, and attending the Executive, Committees and Sub-Committees and providing reports as required.
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To provide advice and support to the Council’s partners and stakeholders.
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To conduct all work in accordance with practice management standards laid down by the Law Society (Lexcel) and all other departmental and corporate performance standards in order to maintain standards of excellence.
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To contribute to the development of the Legal Service through identifying opportunities for improvement, and supporting, motivating and coaching colleagues within the team / Legal Service.
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At least 2-4 years recent post qualification experience of working in legal practice conducting a caseload consisting of planning, highways and regeneration matters (Essential)
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Post qualification experience of conducting the above mentioned caseload within a public sector setting (Desirable)
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Experience of advocacy in an Inquiry, the Magistrates or County Courts or other relevant courts and Tribunals, to include planning appeals at both hearing and public inquiry stage. Experience of advising on regeneration schemes and more complex public inquiries, High Court appeals and judicial reviews in the context of planning would also be useful. (Desirable)
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Experience of attendance at, and advising, committees (Desirable)
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Experience of supervision of staff (Desirable)
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Experience of delivering legal advice in a partnering environment (Desirable)
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Experience of contributing to the design and implementation of business planning and strategy development in a legal environment (Desirable)
Qualifications (only if applicable)
- A Solicitor, Barrister, Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (Essential)
Knowledge/Skills
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The ability to communicate orally and in writing clearly and precisely (Essential)
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The ability to work on own initiative and with minimum supervision (Essential)
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The ability to work objectively, calmly and efficiently under pressure (Essential)
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The ability to contribute to the work of a team, and to work well with both legal and support staff, clients and consultants (Essential)
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The ability to deliver excellent specialist advice in planning, highways and regeneration matters in an accessible way to a variety of clients, partners and stakeholders (Essential)
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Proven skill in working successfully in a political environment, and an understanding of its implications for the provision of Legal Services (Essential)
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Organisational ability in dealing with priorities and managing time (Essential)
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Understanding of, and ability to manage, risk in the public sector (Essential)
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The ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders (Essential)
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The ability to support, motivate and develop colleagues (Essential)
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Good research skills (Essential)
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Commitment to the role (Essential)
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A willingness to work flexibly, and to adapt to a changing environment (Essential)
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Able to use Microsoft Word packages and a computerised case management system – Visualfiles or other equivalent and online law library (Essential)
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An appreciation of the needs of the communities of a deprived inner city urban area (Essential)
Special Requirements
- Attendance at some evening meetings
Senior Planning Lawyer employer: Nations Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Nations Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific legal frameworks and regulations related to planning and regeneration in the public sector. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the Council's priorities.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in public sector legal roles, especially those involved in planning and regeneration. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with advocacy in various courts and inquiries. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex legal matters, as this will highlight your expertise and suitability for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work collaboratively within a team and with stakeholders. Highlight any past experiences where you supported or mentored colleagues, as this aligns with the Council's emphasis on teamwork and development.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in planning, highways, and regeneration matters. Emphasize your post-qualification experience and any public sector work you've done.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of the Senior Planning Lawyer role. Mention specific examples of your advocacy experience and your ability to provide legal advice in a political environment.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role requires clear communication, ensure that both your CV and cover letter are well-structured and free of jargon. Use precise language to demonstrate your ability to convey complex legal concepts effectively.
Highlight Team Collaboration: Discuss your experience working collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders, and clients. Provide examples of how you have supported and motivated team members in previous roles, as this is essential for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nations Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Legal Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in planning, highways, and regeneration matters. Highlight specific cases you've managed and the outcomes, demonstrating your ability to provide specialist legal advice effectively.
✨Demonstrate Advocacy Skills
Since advocacy experience is crucial, be ready to share examples of your participation in inquiries or court proceedings. Discuss how you represented clients and the strategies you employed to achieve favorable results.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. Prepare to explain complex legal concepts in an accessible manner for various stakeholders.
✨Emphasize Team Collaboration
Highlight your ability to work within a team and support colleagues. Share experiences where you motivated or coached team members, showcasing your commitment to developing a collaborative legal service.
