At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on Highways and Planning matters while managing a complex caseload.
- Company: Join Surrey County Council, a local authority committed to effective legal service delivery.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to mentor junior lawyers and lead service improvements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance and support community development through legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in Highways and Planning law.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Contract
4‑Month Contract with a Local Authority.
Job Purpose
To provide expert legal advice, representation, and strategic support on Highways and Planning matters, ensuring the Council discharges its statutory functions lawfully and effectively.
The role involves managing a complex caseload, undertaking advocacy where required, supporting the Monitoring Officer, supervising junior lawyers, and contributing to the continuous development and delivery of a high‑quality legal service.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a varied and complex caseload of Highways and Planning legal matters with minimal supervision.
- Provide specialist legal advice to the Council, elected members, officers, and committees.
- Undertake and/or manage advocacy in courts, tribunals, inquiries, and hearings as required.
- Draft, review, and negotiate legal documents, agreements, and correspondence.
- Support the Monitoring Officer by advising on matters of legality and procedural compliance.
- Supervise, mentor, and provide guidance to junior members of the legal team.
- Contribute to reducing reliance on external legal providers through effective case management and in‑house expertise.
- Assist in the leadership and management of the legal team, supporting service improvements and strategic objectives.
- Deliver training and legal updates to Council staff on relevant legislation and emerging legal issues.
- Work collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders to achieve effective legal outcomes.
- Maintain accurate electronic case records in accordance with Lexcel standards and the Council's case management procedures.
Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practise in England and Wales with a current practising certificate (or eligible to obtain one).
- Experience managing Highways and/or Planning law matters within local government or a similar environment.
- Experience of, or aptitude for, advocacy.
- Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, legal procedures, and local government practice.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior legal professionals.
- Ability to manage a demanding caseload while delivering high‑quality legal advice and representation.
- Proficiency in electronic case management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Location
Surrey County Council – Reigate, Surrey, RH2. Flexible working with office attendance as required for meetings, hearings, and business needs.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Highways and Planning Lawyer in Reigate employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leadership in the Special Educational Needs service can truly make a difference in children's lives. With a strong focus on collaboration and professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful outcomes in the Bromley community. The supportive culture and commitment to high-quality services make this an attractive opportunity for those looking to lead impactful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Highways and Planning Lawyer in Reigate
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Civic Recruitment Limited does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like Civic Recruitment Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Highways and Planning Lawyer in Reigate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Civic Recruitment Limited and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Highways and Planning Lawyer role at Civic Recruitment Limited. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Civic Recruitment Limited.
