At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support on planning and highways matters while managing a varied caseload.
- Company: Local authority offering flexible and remote working opportunities.
- Benefits: Bi-weekly payments and flexible working hours.
- Other info: 3-6 month contract with excellent career development potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance and develop your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with planning law experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
3 - 6 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
To provide legal support and advice on planning and highways matters, assisting in the delivery of the Council's legal services. The postholder will manage a varied caseload, draft legal agreements and documentation, and provide practical legal advice to officers and stakeholders while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and Council policies.
Key Responsibilities
- Draft, negotiate, and complete Section 106 Agreements in support of planning applications and development proposals.
- Analyse applications for and prepare Certificates of Lawful Use and Development.
- Assist with the preparation and completion of Highways Agreements under Sections 38 and 278 of the Highways Act.
- Provide legal advice on planning and highways matters to officers, managers, and other stakeholders.
- Support the progression of planning-related legal matters, ensuring work is completed accurately and within required timescales.
- Draft legal correspondence, reports, agreements, and other documentation to a high professional standard.
- Undertake legal research and provide clear, concise advice on relevant legislation, policy, and case law.
- Maintain accurate case records and utilise the Council's case management systems in accordance with departmental procedures.
- Attend meetings and discussions with internal and external stakeholders as required.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across Legal Services, Planning, and Highways teams to support service delivery.
- Ensure compliance with professional standards, legal obligations, and Council procedures.
Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate where applicable.
- Planning law experience, with post-qualification experience preferred (5+ years PQE desirable, although lower PQE candidates will be considered).
- Experience drafting and negotiating Section 106 Agreements.
- Experience analysing applications for and drafting Certificates of Lawful Use and Development.
- Experience preparing or supporting the preparation of Highways Agreements under Sections 38 and 278 of the Highways Act, or willingness to develop expertise in this area.
- Ability to provide practical legal advice on planning and highways matters.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess legal issues and make sound decisions with minimal supervision.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom, and legal case management systems.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Experience handling complex drafting and negotiation work.
- Ability to advise on planning policy and strategic planning matters.
- Experience attending and advising at Planning Committee meetings.
- Knowledge of Planning Enforcement legislation and procedures.
- Knowledge of wider local government law, including licensing, regulatory law, constitutional law, administrative law, or criminal litigation.
- Previous local authority legal experience.
Additional Information
- Location: Flexible/Remote
- Working Hours: 1 day per week (flexible)
- Contract Length: 3 - 6 months
- Payment: Bi-weekly payments
- Pay Rate is To Be Confirmed
Junior Planning Solicitor in Nottingham employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
As a Junior Planning Solicitor with our local authority, you will be part of a supportive and collaborative work culture that values professional growth and development. We offer flexible working arrangements to promote a healthy work-life balance, alongside opportunities to engage in meaningful legal work that directly impacts the community. Join us to enhance your skills in planning law while contributing to vital projects that shape our local environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Planning Solicitor in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with planning law. Attend local events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your best work, including any Section 106 Agreements or Certificates of Lawful Use you've drafted. This will give you an edge during interviews and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses, especially around planning and highways matters. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be just right for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Planning Solicitor in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning law and relevant legal matters. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since this role involves a lot of drafting and legal correspondence, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strong written communication skills. Use clear, concise language and make sure your application is free from errors – we love attention to detail!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve got experience with Section 106 Agreements or Highways Agreements, make sure to mention it! We’re looking for candidates who can hit the ground running, so any specific examples will really help your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all applications. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Planning Law
Brush up on your knowledge of planning law and relevant legislation before the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or examples where you've applied this knowledge, especially regarding Section 106 Agreements and Highways Agreements.
✨Showcase Your Drafting Skills
Since drafting is a key part of the role, bring along samples of your previous work if possible. Discuss your approach to drafting legal documents and how you ensure accuracy and compliance with legislation.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Highlight your experience working collaboratively with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated discussions with internal teams or external parties to achieve positive outcomes in planning matters.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your analytical skills and decision-making abilities. Think about how you would handle specific planning issues or legal challenges, and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.