At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on highways and transportation matters for Thurrock Council.
- Company: Join a dynamic local authority committed to community development and regeneration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on resilience and adaptability during organisational changes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local infrastructure and community projects while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with at least two years' experience in highways law.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Job Purpose
To contribute to the provision of a comprehensive legal service to the Council and its Officers. The Council is a unitary authority and the local highway authority for its area. We are seeking to appoint a Highways Lawyer to provide legal advice and support on a wide range of highways and transportation matters, varying in complexity, to support the effective discharge of the Council’s statutory functions. The role will include advising on highways matters arising from a high level of development and regeneration activity across the borough, including the highways and traffic implications of major and complex schemes. The post will be undertaken within a changing and evolving organisation, including in the context of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), requiring flexibility, resilience, and a collaborative approach to service delivery.
About you
You will be a qualified solicitor, barrister, or chartered legal executive with a minimum of two years’ relevant post‑qualification experience, with demonstrable experience in highways law or a closely related public law area. You will have experience of advising on highways matters arising from significant development and regeneration activity, with an understanding of the interface between highways, planning, and infrastructure delivery. You will be confident advising on Traffic Regulation Orders and traffic management measures, including those required to support development and regeneration schemes. You will be a collaborative and emotionally intelligent lawyer, able to build effective working relationships with officers, Members, and external stakeholders, and to communicate legal advice clearly, proportionately, and with sensitivity in a political and public‑sector environment. You will be a strong team player, comfortable working within a changing organisational context, including during periods of Local Government Reorganisation, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a constructive approach to supporting colleagues and maintaining service continuity.
Key Service Accountabilities
- Highways
- Providing legal advice on the Highways Act 1980 and related legislation
- Drafting and reviewing enforcement notices, orders (including stopping‑up and diversion orders), and agreements, including but not limited to sections 38 and 278 agreements, s.50 agreements, highway licences etc
- Advising on highways and traffic matters arising from planning, development, and regeneration proposals
- Drafting, advising on, and supporting the making of Traffic Regulation Orders, including those linked to development, regeneration, traffic management, and highway safety schemes
- Advising on public rights of way, traffic regulation, and highway adoption issues
- Advising on statutory duties under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010
- Supporting the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) role as a statutory consultee on surface water drainage
- Drafting and negotiating legal agreements relating to sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)
- Assisting with legal aspects of flood risk management schemes and enforcement under the Land Drainage Act 1991
- Governance and General
- Advising on public law, governance, and decision making risk
- Supporting officers and Members on highways‑related committee and decision‑making
- Instructing and managing external legal advisers where required
- Contributing to reports and guidance to support lawful, robust, and proportionate decision‑making
- Working collaboratively as part of the Legal Services team, demonstrating professionalism, emotional intelligence, and a positive, team‑focused approach
Have a firm understanding of Key Legislation
- Highways Act 1980
- Flood and Water Management Act 2010
- Land Drainage Act 1991
- Related highways, traffic, and public law legislation
Highways Lawyer – AR in Grays employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
Thurrock Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where legal professionals can thrive while contributing to the community's development and regeneration. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and employee growth, the Council provides opportunities for professional development within a supportive team culture, ensuring that every member can adapt and excel in a changing local government landscape. Located in a vibrant borough, employees benefit from engaging with diverse projects that have a meaningful impact on local infrastructure and public services.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Highways Lawyer – AR in Grays
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in the highways law field. Attend local government events, legal seminars, or even casual meet-ups. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your past work related to highways law and regeneration projects. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and how you tackled complex issues. It’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to councils or firms that interest you. Express your enthusiasm for their work and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. You never know what might come from a simple email!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of roles that could be perfect for you. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your experience in highways law and your ability to adapt in a changing environment. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Highways Lawyer – AR in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Highways Lawyer role. Highlight your experience in highways law and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; give us examples of your work in highways and public law. Talk about specific cases or projects where you provided legal advice or drafted important documents. This helps us see your practical experience in action.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Thurrock Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Highways Act 1980, Flood and Water Management Act 2010, and Land Drainage Act 1991. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with them but can apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've advised on highways matters or dealt with Traffic Regulation Orders. This will help demonstrate your relevant experience and how it aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role requires working closely with officers, Members, and external stakeholders, be ready to share instances where you successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your emotional intelligence and ability to build relationships in a political environment.
✨Adaptability is Key
Given the changing nature of local government, be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to new challenges in previous roles. Show that you can remain resilient and maintain service continuity even during transitions.
