Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on planning law and oversee complex cases.
- Company: Local authority seeking a Principal Planning Lawyer for impactful work.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local planning while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with extensive planning law experience.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and mentorship.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Please note - we are open to looking at full time/part time/hybrid for this role.
The Principal Lawyer - Planning will provide expert legal advice and representation on all aspects of planning law to the local authority. This role involves overseeing complex planning matters, guiding junior staff, and ensuring that the local authority's planning functions are legally compliant. The Principal Lawyer will work closely with various departments, elected members, and external stakeholders to support and facilitate the authority's planning objectives.
Key Responsibilities:- Legal Advice and Support: Provide high-quality legal advice on all matters related to planning law, including development control, local plans, enforcement, and related areas. Advise on the interpretation and application of planning legislation, regulations, and case law. Draft and review planning agreements, enforcement notices, and other legal documents. Represent the local authority in planning inquiries, hearings, and court proceedings.
- Case Management: Manage a diverse and complex caseload of planning matters, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of legal services. Oversee and coordinate legal support for major development projects and regeneration schemes. Conduct legal research and prepare comprehensive reports and briefing papers on planning issues.
- Team Leadership and Development: Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and legal assistants, providing guidance and support to enhance their professional development. Allocate work within the planning law team, ensuring an equitable distribution of workload. Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with internal departments, including planning, development, and enforcement teams, to ensure a cohesive approach to planning matters. Provide training and briefings to elected members, officers, and other stakeholders on planning law and procedures. Engage with external partners, including developers, landowners, and other local authorities, to facilitate the delivery of planning objectives.
- Policy and Procedure Development: Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to planning law within the authority. Ensure that the local authority's planning policies and practices are up-to-date and compliant with current legislation and best practice. Participate in the review and updating of the local authority's local plan and other strategic planning documents.
- Qualified solicitor or barrister with a current practising certificate.
- Extensive experience in planning law, with a strong understanding of local authority planning functions.
- Proven track record of managing complex planning cases and delivering high-quality legal advice.
- Experience in supervising and developing junior legal staff.
- Excellent advocacy, negotiation, and communication skills.
Principal Planning Lawyer — Hybrid Leader in Planning in Worcester employer: Headturner Search
Contact Detail:
Headturner Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Lawyer — Hybrid Leader in Planning in Worcester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the planning law field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend industry events or webinars to meet new people and make connections that could lead to job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your past work, especially any complex planning cases you've managed. This will help you demonstrate your skills and experience during interviews, making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience in planning law and how it aligns with the role you're applying for.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in planning law and your leadership skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Lawyer — Hybrid Leader in Planning in Worcester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning law. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Principal Lawyer, you'll be guiding junior staff. We love to see examples of how you've mentored or led teams in the past. Share specific instances where you’ve made a positive impact on your colleagues’ development.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your passion for planning law shines through.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Headturner Search
✨Know Your Planning Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in planning law. Familiarise yourself with key legislation, recent case law, and any local authority-specific regulations. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in your field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planning Lawyer, you'll be expected to lead and mentor junior staff. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and support professional development within your team.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach liaising with various stakeholders, from internal departments to external partners. Be ready to discuss your strategies for effective communication and engagement, as this role requires a cohesive approach to planning matters.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex planning cases. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies. This will show your analytical abilities and how you can apply your legal knowledge in real-world situations.