Government Legal Department | Bristol, Croydon, Leeds, London & Manchester
Civil Service Pension with a 28.97% employer contribution
Candidate Information Session
Interested in learning more? Join the Planning Team Information Session:
Thursday 17 September 2026 - 1:00pm – 1:45pm (Microsoft Teams) (Details can be found in the candidate pack.)
Interested in helping shape some of the UK's most significant planning, housing and infrastructure reforms?
We're recruiting a Senior Lawyer to join the Planning Team within the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Legal Advisers (MHCLG LA).
This is an opportunity to work at the heart of government on issues that directly impact communities across the country, from planning reform and housing delivery to major infrastructure projects and the creation of new towns.
The team plays a key role in supporting the Government's ambitions around housing growth, planning reform and sustainable development, advising Ministers and senior officials on legally complex and high-profile matters.
Why this role?
You’ll be working on issues that genuinely shape the future of the country, including:
- Planning reform
- Major infrastructure projects
- National planning policy
- Environmental and habitats issues
- Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
- Developer contributions
- Planning legislation and secondary legislation drafting
This is a role that combines legal analysis, policy development, legislation and strategic advisory work in equal measure.
What you’ll be doing
- Advising Ministers and senior officials on complex planning law matters
- Supporting the development of planning policy and legislation
- Leading legal workstreams and stakeholder relationships
- Managing and developing junior lawyers
- Working closely with policy teams, local authorities and Parliamentary Counsel
- Providing legal advice on planning reform and housing growth initiatives
- Advising on litigation and legal risk where appropriate
What we’re looking for
We’re keen to hear from experienced planning lawyers who can demonstrate:
- Strong planning law experience
- Excellent legal judgement and analytical skills
- Experience advising on complex matters
- The ability to work at pace and manage competing priorities
- Leadership experience and a collaborative approach
Particular experience of:
- Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
- Section 106 Agreements
- Planning and Public Law
would be highly beneficial.
What we offer
- Civil Service Pension with a 28.97% employer contribution
- Flexible, hybrid and part-time working options
- Significant learning and development opportunities
- Exposure to nationally important policy and legislation
- The opportunity to help shape planning and housing reform across the UK
Interested?
For more information about the role, please contact govqualified@tmpw.co.uk.
Alternatively, feel free to reach out to me directly on LinkedIn. My profile will appear alongside this advert and I'd be happy to answer any questions about the role, the team or working at the Government Legal Department.
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Senior Planning Lawyer MHCLG LA employer: Government Legal Department
The Government Legal Department (GLD) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where Information Lawyers can thrive. With a strong emphasis on training and development, employees are empowered to grow their legal expertise while contributing to meaningful public service across various locations including Bristol, Leeds, London, Manchester, and Croydon. Joining GLD means being part of a national team that plays a crucial role in advising government bodies on data protection and Freedom of Information, making a real impact in the public sector.
Contact Details:
Government Legal Department Recruitment Team
