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- Tasks: Provide legal advice on planning and highways law, draft agreements, and represent the Council in litigation.
- Company: Join Halton Borough Council, a forward-thinking local authority making a real impact in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options, a competitive salary, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing legal team that values work-life balance and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in planning and highways law.
- Other info: Opportunity to engage in property law work and attend evening meetings as needed.
The predicted salary is between 38400 - 67200 £ per year.
Halton Borough Council is seeking a capable and committed Solicitor to join our Legal Services team on a locum basis. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a high-performing and supportive legal team, working primarily across planning and highways law, with the possibility of involvement in property work depending on your experience.
About the Role
You will provide legal advice and services in relation to the Council's planning and highway functions, including the drafting of complex legal agreements and representing the authority in related litigation. This role offers flexible hybrid working with a base in Widnes, ensuring a good work-life balance.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise officers and members on planning and highway matters, including development management, enforcement, traffic regulation, and public rights of way.
- Draft and negotiate legal agreements, including section 106, section 278 and section 38 agreements.
- (Subject to experience) Undertake property law work, including legal support for regeneration projects and Compulsory Purchase Orders.
- Represent the Council in appeals, judicial reviews and statutory challenges.
- Deliver training and contribute to continuous legal service improvement.
- Keep abreast of legal developments affecting service provision.
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- Qualified Solicitor or Barrister.
- Experience in planning and highways law.
- Strong legal drafting, analytical and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage a varied caseload.
Desirable:
- Experience advising in a local authority or similar setting.
- Familiarity with property law, including housing and regeneration schemes.
- Knowledge of section 278 and 38 agreements.
- IT literacy and an understanding of legal practice management systems.
Other Requirements
- Ability to attend evening meetings as required.
- A full UK driving licence.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a forward-thinking local authority, offering meaningful legal work that makes a tangible difference to the community.
Solicitor - Planning, Highways & Property employer: Connect2Halton
Contact Detail:
Connect2Halton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor - Planning, Highways & Property
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific planning and highways laws relevant to local authorities. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in local government or similar legal roles. Attend relevant seminars or workshops to make connections and gain insights into the challenges and expectations of the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with drafting legal agreements, particularly section 106, section 278, and section 38 agreements. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex negotiations in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to manage a varied caseload by discussing specific instances where you've balanced multiple priorities effectively. This will highlight your organisational skills and readiness for the demands of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor - Planning, Highways & Property
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in planning and highways law.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience as a Solicitor or Barrister, particularly in planning and highways law. Mention any specific cases or projects you have worked on that relate to the role.
Showcase Legal Skills: Demonstrate your strong legal drafting, analytical, and negotiation skills in your application. Provide examples of complex legal agreements you have drafted or negotiations you have successfully conducted.
Personalise Your Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to contribute to the community through your work with Halton Borough Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Halton
✨Know Your Planning and Highways Law
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning and highways law before the interview. Be prepared to discuss recent developments in this area and how they might impact the role. Showing that you are well-informed will demonstrate your commitment and expertise.
✨Prepare for Legal Drafting Questions
Since strong legal drafting skills are essential for this position, expect questions that assess your ability to draft complex legal agreements. Consider bringing examples of your previous work or discussing specific challenges you've faced in drafting agreements like section 106 or section 278.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is a key part of this role, so be ready to talk about your experiences in negotiating legal agreements. Think of specific instances where you successfully negotiated terms and how you approached those discussions. This will highlight your practical skills and strategic thinking.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Work Independently
The role requires managing a varied caseload independently, so be prepared to discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively. Share examples of how you've successfully handled multiple cases or projects simultaneously, showcasing your organisational skills.
