At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on highways and transportation matters for the Council.
- Company: Join a dynamic local authority focused on community development.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £65 per hour, flexible hours, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to work on significant public projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local infrastructure and community regeneration projects.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with at least two years' experience in highways law.
The predicted salary is between 42900 - 57200 £ per year.
Pay: £65.00 per hour – 21 hours per week
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
- 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
If you feel you would be suited to this role, or know someone who would be a great fit, please drop an email to rebeccabentum@carringtonblakerecruitment.com
OR103572 – Highways Lawyer in Grays employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
As a Highways Lawyer with the Council, you will be part of a dynamic and evolving organisation that values collaboration and resilience. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to significant development and regeneration projects within the borough, while enjoying a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and adaptability. With competitive pay and a commitment to public service, this position is ideal for those seeking meaningful and impactful legal work in a local government setting.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land OR103572 – Highways Lawyer in Grays
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field, especially those involved in highways law. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn – you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your highways law knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific cases or legislation, like the Highways Act 1980. Show them you’re not just a lawyer, but a highways expert who can tackle complex issues with confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to convey legal advice clearly and sensitively, especially in a public-sector environment. Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable explaining complex legal concepts in simple terms.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and makes it easier for us to find your application.
We think you need these skills to ace OR103572 – Highways Lawyer in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in highways law and related public law areas. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit:Since this role involves working closely with officers, Members, and external stakeholders, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to build effective working relationships. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in previous roles to show us you’re a team player.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to communicate your legal expertise and experiences. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point, so keep it professional yet approachable.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Know Your Highways Law
Make sure you brush up on the Highways Act 1980 and related legislation before your interview. Being able to discuss specific cases or examples where you've applied this knowledge will show that you're not just familiar with the law, but that you can apply it effectively in real-world situations.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires a collaborative approach, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked with others in previous positions. Highlight any experiences where you’ve built effective relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, or clients, especially in a public-sector context.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Resilience
Given the changing nature of local government, it's crucial to showcase your adaptability. Think of instances where you've successfully navigated change or uncertainty in your work environment, and be ready to discuss how you maintained service continuity during those times.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a Highways Lawyer, you'll need to convey complex legal advice clearly. Practice explaining legal concepts in simple terms, as if you were advising a non-legal audience. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in a political and public-sector environment.
