At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of Herefordshire through impactful legal work in planning and highways.
- Company: Join Herefordshire Council, a supportive and collaborative team dedicated to community development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while enjoying a dynamic and varied legal career.
- Qualifications: Solicitor, Fellow of CILEx, or qualified Barrister with knowledge in planning/highways law.
- Other info: Embrace a modern, people-first workplace in a beautiful rural setting.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 55915 ÂŁ per year.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: HC11 ÂŁ51,356 â ÂŁ55,915
Market Forces Supplement: An additional ÂŁ5,000 for 12 months.
Hours: 37
Location: Hereford / Hybrid
At Herefordshire Council, weâre passionate about creating a place where people, nature, and communities thrive together. As part of our friendly and dedicated Planning & Highways Team, youâll play a meaningful role in shaping the future of our beautiful, rural county, working on projects that directly impact how people live, travel, and connect. Weâre looking for a fresh-thinking, enthusiastic Planning & Highways Lawyer who enjoys collaborating, problemâsolving and making a real difference. Whether youâre early in your career or bring years of experience, if you care about highâquality legal work and want to support positive outcomes for communities, weâd love to hear from you.
The Role
As Georgina, our Senior Solicitor, says in her âday in the lifeâ overview, âno two days are ever the sameâ. This is a diverse and stimulating area of law where you will work closely with colleagues across the council and external partners, helping to guide key decisions that affect Herefordshireâs built and natural environment.
- Advising on major redevelopment schemes, CPOs, listed buildings and land contamination
- Drafting and negotiating S106, S38 and S278 agreements that help secure vital community infrastructure and developer contributions
- Supporting planning enforcement, prosecutions, appeals and Public Inquiries â including high-profile and impactful cases
- Attending Planning Committee and providing clear, trusted advice to councillors and senior officers
- Contributing to the Councilâs work on sustainable development, including green infrastructure and biodiversity net gain
Youâll also have the opportunity to apply legal expertise to innovative environmental projects. The Council has been a national trailblazer in areas such as wetlands construction to support nutrient neutrality â enabling new housing development while protecting our river systems. If you enjoy seeing the tangible impact of your legal work â and the legacy it creates â this role offers exactly that.
About You
Youâll need to be either a Solicitor, a Fellow of CILEx, or a qualified Barrister. We donât specify a particular level of PQE â what matters most is your ability to demonstrate knowledge in planning and/or highways law, and a willingness to learn and grow with us. We welcome applicants from every background and at all career stages. Jobâshare and flexible working options are available, and we encourage applications from individuals nationwide.
Why Join Us?
Our Legal Services team is genuinely supportive, friendly, and collaborative. We value professional curiosity, shared learning and a healthy workâlife balance. Youâll be part of a team that encourages you to be yourself and provides the space and trust to do your best work.
In Return, We Offer:
- Salary of ÂŁ51,356 â ÂŁ55,915
- Market Forces Supplement of ÂŁ5,000 for a 12 month period
- Relocation packages: support of up to ÂŁ5,000
- Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Professional development: comprehensive training and development programme
- Generous annual leave: 31 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum (pro rata).
- Flexible working
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
- Payment of professional membership fees
- Pick your perks- our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts.
Herefordshire itself is a wonderful place to call home, rich in heritage, creativity, rural beauty, and vibrant market towns. Whether youâre choosing to relocate or work remotely with visits to the county, youâll be joining a council committed to a modern, flexible, people-first workplace.
If you would like a confidential conversation about the opportunity prior to applying, please discuss with Lorna Lucas on 01432 260891. Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for more details of this role. To apply, please submit your CV and complete the supporting statement within the application form, referring to the job description & person specification, detailing how you meet the specific requirements of the role.
Planning and Highways Lawyer 2 in Hereford employer: Hoople Group
Contact Detail:
Hoople Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Planning and Highways Lawyer 2 in Hereford
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Herefordshire Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just help you stand out in the application process.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the council's recent projects. Knowing about their innovative environmental initiatives will show your genuine interest and help you connect your skills to their goals.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Think of real-life scenarios where you've tackled legal challenges, especially in planning or highways law. Being able to share these experiences will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows youâre serious about joining our team at Herefordshire Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning and Highways Lawyer 2 in Hereford
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Planning & Highways Lawyer role. Highlight any relevant legal work, especially in planning and highways law, to show us youâre the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, be specific about how your background meets the job requirements. Use examples from your experience to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and enthusiasm for making a difference in communities.
Show Your Passion for the Role: Let your personality shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for planning law and how you can contribute to Herefordshireâs future. Share why this role excites you and how you envision making an impact.
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to submit your application through our website! Itâs the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youâre considered for this fantastic opportunity with our supportive team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople Group
â¨Know Your Planning and Highways Law
Brush up on your knowledge of planning and highways law before the interview. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or developments in this area, as it shows your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
â¨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with colleagues and external partners, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlighting your teamwork skills will resonate well with the council's values.
â¨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific legal scenarios, such as advising on redevelopment schemes or dealing with planning enforcement. Practising your responses can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
â¨Express Your Passion for Community Impact
The council is looking for someone who cares about making a difference. Be ready to share why youâre passionate about planning law and how you see your work positively impacting communities in Herefordshire.