At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on planning and highways matters while supporting public inquiries.
- Company: Join a collaborative public-sector legal team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and a solid pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and welcoming applications from diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the community with meaningful legal work and flexible arrangements.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with senior-level experience in planning law.
Make a difference through meaningful legal work. We are seeking an experienced Principal Lawyer specialising in planning and highways to join an established public-sector legal team on a permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior legal professional to take a leading role in planning, highways, rights of way and environmental matters, while contributing to the development of a collaborative legal service. The position offers hybrid working, with only a small number of days each month required in the Huddersfield town centre office and the remainder worked remotely.
The Role
As Principal Lawyer, you will provide specialist legal advice and guidance across a broad range of planning and highways matters. Your responsibilities will include:
- Advising on Section 106 and Section 278 agreements.
- Providing legal advice on planning and highways matters.
- Supporting public inquiries and enforcement proceedings.
- Advising on public law and environmental matters.
- Providing guidance to officers and elected members.
- Supporting the development of the legal team and contributing to service improvements.
- Developing expertise across public rights of way and wider local government matters.
About You
To be considered, you will be a qualified solicitor with a current practising certificate, a barrister, or a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx). You will also have:
- Substantial recent senior-level experience in planning law, highways law, or both, gained in England and Wales.
- Strong legal drafting, advisory and communication skills.
- The ability to manage complex legal matters and provide clear, practical advice.
- The confidence to work with senior stakeholders and contribute to team development.
- The aptitude and willingness to broaden your expertise into public rights of way and local government law.
Previous local government experience would be advantageous but is not essential. Applications are welcomed from lawyers returning after a career break and candidates interested in part-time or job-share arrangements.
Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme, including life cover from day one.
- 28.5 days' annual leave, increasing to 33.5 days after five years' service, plus bank holidays.
- Payment of practising certificate fees.
- Hybrid working arrangements, with the majority of work undertaken remotely.
- Enhanced family leave.
- Employee healthcare benefits.
- Clear opportunities for career progression through the legal grades.
Interested? If you are an experienced planning and highways lawyer looking for a senior role with meaningful public-sector work and flexible working arrangements, we would welcome your application.
Principal Lawyer – Planning & Highways in Huddersfield employer: Connect Executive Search Group
Connect Executive Search Group (CES Group) offers an exceptional opportunity for experienced recruiters seeking autonomy and flexibility in their careers. With the ability to work remotely across the UK, you can enjoy uncapped commission potential while benefiting from established systems and support, allowing you to focus on building your own client relationships without the pressures of traditional agency life. Join a supportive work culture that values independence and encourages personal growth, making CES Group an ideal employer for those looking to thrive in the recruitment industry.
Contact Details:
Connect Executive Search Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer – Planning & Highways in Huddersfield
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer – Planning & Highways in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
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How to prepare for a job interview at Connect Executive Search Group
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
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Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
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