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- Tasks: Provide legal advice on complex planning and environment projects.
- Company: Join Hampshire County Council, a top-performing local authority in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, holiday entitlement, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate.
- Other info: Experience a motivating workplace focused on teamwork and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Legal Adviser to join our Planning & Environment Legal team at Hampshire County Council. Are you looking for a challenging and diverse role working as part of a friendly and supportive team, with an opportunity to make a real difference? Join our friendly and supportive Lexcel accredited legal department, passionate about delivering the best for Hampshire and making a real difference to the community!
Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. Our large legal service supports all Hampshire County Council directorates and a wide range of other public service organisations. Working on matters that are as challenging as they are rewarding, you will advise on a range of interesting, varied, meaningful, high profile and complex projects at the very forefront of public interest, delivering improvements to people's lives.
The Role: The role of Senior Legal Adviser in the Planning and Environment Team includes the provision of legal advice and representation to the County Council’s directorates, committees, members and other external partners and client bodies. Your role will not only increase the efficiency of the team but also that of the County Council as a whole and offers the unique level of support that comes with working within our well-respected team and Hampshire County Council generally.
What you’ll do: You will join the Planning and Environment Team, working with colleagues in all Hampshire County Council directorates and third-party clients. You will take responsibility for a large and varied casework, some of which may be complex planning work such as s.106, s.278 and s.38 agreements, legal research, public inquiries and offering assistance and mentoring to colleagues.
What we’re looking for: We are looking for an in-house Planning and Environment Lawyer who must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive Lawyer (Fellow of CILEX) with a current practising certificate for England & Wales. You will be successful in the role if you:
- are able to demonstrate sound legal skills and judgment; a pragmatic solution focussed approach; strong client relationship and communication skills; an ability to work on your own initiative.
- are a team player with strong collaborative skills; resilience and motivation; and an ability to prioritise effectively to meet strict deadlines.
- demonstrate core values of patience, empathy, and compassion.
- have sound IT skills and able to accurately record information.
Why join us? Our benefits package includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi-time scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.
If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch! Hampshire County Council is a modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment. Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance.
For more details around this role, including full Candidate Pack, please visit our jobs portal by clicking on the 'Apply' button.
Planning and Environment Senior Legal Adviser employer: Hampshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hampshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning and Environment Senior Legal Adviser
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific planning and environmental laws relevant to Hampshire. Understanding local regulations and recent case law can give you an edge in discussions and interviews, showcasing your commitment and expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Hampshire County Council, especially those in the legal department. They can provide insights into the team culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex casework, particularly in areas like s.106, s.278, and s.38 agreements. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully worked within a team. Highlighting your ability to mentor others and contribute positively to team dynamics will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning and Environment Senior Legal Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Legal Adviser position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific needs of Hampshire County Council.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in planning and environment law. Provide examples of complex casework you have handled, particularly any relevant agreements or legal research that showcases your expertise.
Showcase Soft Skills: Demonstrate your strong client relationship and communication skills in your application. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to work collaboratively, manage deadlines, and maintain resilience in challenging situations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for making a difference in the community. Mention why you are drawn to Hampshire County Council and how you can contribute to their goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Showcase Your Legal Expertise
As a Senior Legal Adviser, it's crucial to demonstrate your legal knowledge and experience. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've worked on, particularly those involving complex planning issues like s.106 or public inquiries. This will show your depth of understanding and ability to handle the role's challenges.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively within a team. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with colleagues or external partners in the past. This aligns with the role's requirement for strong collaborative skills and shows that you can contribute positively to the Planning and Environment Team.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've approached complex legal problems in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your pragmatic, solution-focused approach. This will reassure the interviewers that you can navigate the complexities of the role effectively.
✨Exhibit Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to explain how you've built strong client relationships and communicated complex legal concepts clearly. This will reflect your ability to advise various stakeholders, including council members and external clients.
