Job Description
Job Title: Senior Solicitor (Planning, Litigation & Property)
Grade: Grade 11
Directorate: Legal and Planning
Division: Legal Services
Responsible to: Chief Solicitor and Deputy Monitoring Officer
Responsible for: No direct line management responsibility
Job Purpose
To provide high-quality legal advice and representation to the Council across a broad range of work including planning, litigation, housing, property, and general local government matters, covering both contentious and non-contentious legal work.
The post holder will act as a senior legal advisor and advocate, supporting Council services, Members, and committees, and representing the Council in court where required.
Key Responsibilities
- Legal Advice & Support
- Provide clear, practical legal advice to Council officers, Members, and service areas.
- Support directorates including Planning, Housing, Estates, Licensing, and Environmental Services.
- Advise on legal risk, governance, and statutory compliance.
- Planning Law & Enforcement
- Advise on planning matters including enforcement action and regulatory compliance.
- Draft and negotiate Section 106 agreements and other planning obligations.
- Support planning appeals and public inquiries.
- Prepare and conduct prosecutions for planning and building control offences in the Magistrates’ Court.
- Litigation & Court Work
- Conduct litigation on behalf of the Council in the Magistrates’ Court and County Court.
- Undertake prosecutions including:
- Planning and building regulation breaches
- Housing possession claims
- Welfare benefit fraud matters
- Prepare legal documentation, witness statements, and case files.
- Represent the Council as an advocate in court proceedings.
- Housing & Property Law
- Advise on housing management issues including possession proceedings and tenancy disputes.
- Deal with homelessness-related legal matters where required.
- Handle property law matters including:
- Conveyancing and Council land transactions
- Right to Buy sales
- Boundary disputes, easements, and adverse possession
- Support compulsory purchase and land assembly work.
- Contracts & Commercial Agreements
- Draft, review, and negotiate a range of legal agreements including:
- Leases and licences
- Tenancy and partnership agreements
- Construction and commercial contracts
- Undertake title investigations and legal due diligence.
- Regulatory & Committee Work
- Provide legal advice at Council committee and sub-committee meetings.
- Advise on licensing matters and attend licensing hearings when required.
- Draft statutory orders including Off-Street Parking Orders and similar regulatory instruments.
- Support the creation and management of Local Nature Reserves and other statutory designations.
- Enforcement & Regulatory Action
- Advise on and support enforcement action including anti-social behaviour-related legal processes.
- Assist with gathering and presenting evidence for court proceedings.
- Draft and administer Simple Cautions and related enforcement tools.
- Governance & General Legal Work
- Conduct legal research and provide advice on complex or novel legal issues.
- Assist with Monitoring Officer functions as required.
- Support corporate governance and decision‑making processes.
- Mentoring & Team Support
- Provide guidance and informal support to junior legal staff.
- Contribute to knowledge sharing and development within Legal Services.
Other Duties
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade and nature of the post as required by the Chief Solicitor or Director of Legal and Planning.
- Participate in training and continuous professional development.
Additional Requirements
- Designated car user status applies to this post.
- This is a politically restricted post.
- Commitment to high standards of public service, equality, diversity, health and safety compliance.
Role Summary
This is a senior in‑house legal role within a local authority, combining planning law, litigation, housing, property, and regulatory work, requiring strong advocacy skills and the ability to manage a varied caseload across both contentious and non‑contentious matters.
Senior Solicitor – AR employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
As a leading employer in Harrow, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and engagement. Our commitment to professional growth is evident through tailored training programmes and leadership opportunities, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to the Council's strategic objectives. With a focus on diversity and community impact, we offer a unique chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents while enjoying a supportive and dynamic workplace.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
