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- Tasks: Provide high-level legal support on planning and highways matters in a local authority.
- Company: Well-established South Yorkshire local authority with a dynamic legal team.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and senior-level responsibilities.
- Why this job: Step into a senior role and make a real impact in public sector legal services.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with strong Planning Law knowledge.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 50 - 55 £ per hour.
Location: South Yorkshire (Hybrid / Local Authority)
Rate: £50 - £55 per hour
Contract: Interim / Locum until end of April 2026
CRA Consulting is working with a well-established South Yorkshire local authority seeking an experienced Senior Legal Officer (Planning) to provide high-level legal support across a broad and varied public sector workload. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned local government lawyer to step into a senior, visible role, advising on complex planning and highways matters while supporting wider corporate objectives.
The Opportunity
Working under the direction of the Head of Litigation and Regulatory Services, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality legal advice across planning-related matters, supporting officers and elected members alike. The role offers a mix of advisory, drafting, advocacy, and leadership responsibilities, making it ideal for an experienced planning solicitor, barrister, or legal executive seeking a well-remunerated locum assignment.
What you’ll be doing
- Providing legal advice across Town and Country Planning, Highway Law (including footpaths), and Compulsory Purchase
- Drafting and advising on:
- Section 106 agreements
- Enforcement notices
- Planning injunctions
- Reports and court documentation
What they’re looking for
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with a current practising certificate
- Strong working knowledge of Planning Law within a local authority setting
- Proven advocacy experience
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
- Sound understanding of the local government legislative framework
- Experience working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
- A pragmatic, value-driven approach to public sector legal services
What’s on offer
- £50 - £55 per hour
- Senior-level, autonomous locum role
- Interesting and varied planning-focused caseload
- Opportunity to work at the heart of a busy local authority legal team
- Hybrid working potential (subject to service needs)
Interested? For a confidential discussion or to be considered, contact: Rob Addy, Director - Legal Recruitment, robert.addy@craconsultants.com, 0114 241 8030
Senior Legal Officer - Planning (Locum) in Doncaster employer: CRA Legal
Contact Detail:
CRA Legal Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Officer - Planning (Locum) in Doncaster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the legal field, especially those who work in local authorities. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Planning Law and recent case studies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially around drafting and advocacy.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that locum role. We’re always looking for talented individuals like you, and applying directly can help us match your skills with the right opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Officer - Planning (Locum) in Doncaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Legal Officer role. Highlight your experience in Planning Law and any relevant local authority work. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Advocacy Skills: Since advocacy is a key part of this role, don’t forget to mention your experience in this area. Share specific examples where you’ve successfully represented clients or handled complex cases. We love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise: When drafting your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes straight to the right people. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at CRA Legal
✨Know Your Planning Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Town and Country Planning and Highway Law. Be ready to discuss specific cases or legislation that are relevant to the role, as this will show your expertise and confidence in handling complex legal matters.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about real-life scenarios you might face in this role, such as drafting Section 106 agreements or dealing with planning injunctions. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar challenges, as this will demonstrate your practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Since advocacy is a key part of this role, be prepared to discuss your experience in court or tribunal settings. You might even want to practice articulating your arguments clearly and confidently, as this will help you stand out as a strong candidate who can represent the local authority effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience working collaboratively with various stakeholders, including council officers and elected members. Be ready to discuss how you’ve built relationships and communicated effectively in previous roles, as this will show that you can thrive in a team-oriented environment.
