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- Tasks: Provide high-level legal support on planning and highways matters.
- Company: Established local authority in South Yorkshire with a collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £50 - £55 per hour and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Autonomous role with a varied caseload and excellent career development opportunities.
- 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.
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)
For a confidential discussion or to be considered, contact: Rob Addy, Director - Legal Recruitment.
Senior Legal Officer - Planning (Locum) in Sheffield 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 Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in local authority roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Planning Law and recent case studies. We want you to feel confident discussing complex topics, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your advocacy skills! If you have examples of successful cases or negotiations, be ready to share them. This will demonstrate your capability and experience in handling planning-related matters effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team in making a difference in public sector legal services.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Officer - Planning (Locum) in Sheffield
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 advocacy work. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in drafting legal documents and providing advice on planning matters. We love seeing real-life applications of your skills!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of being considered, make sure to submit your application through our website. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
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 prepared 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.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Since advocacy is a key part of this role, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully represented clients or presented cases. Practise articulating these scenarios clearly, highlighting your negotiation and communication skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle real-life situations related to planning law. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would approach them, demonstrating your pragmatic and value-driven mindset.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the local authority's current projects or challenges they face in planning law. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.