At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of Herefordshire through impactful legal work in planning and highways.
- Company: Join a supportive and collaborative team at Herefordshire Council.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Embrace a modern, people-first workplace in a beautiful rural setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while enjoying a dynamic and varied role.
- Qualifications: Solicitor, Fellow of CILEx, or qualified Barrister with knowledge in planning/highways law.
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
Closing date: 14th May 2026
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, problem-solving and making a real difference. Whether youâre early in your career or bring years of experience, if you care about high-quality 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. Youâll be involved in a wide range of both contentious and non-contentious work, for example:
- 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. Job-share 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 work-life 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
Contact Detail:
Hoople 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 maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research recent projects the Planning & Highways Team has worked on. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission of making Herefordshire thrive.
â¨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills during the interview. Think of examples from your past work where you tackled challenges in planning or highways law. We love hearing about how youâve made a difference!
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it gives you a chance to tailor your supporting statement directly to what weâre looking for in this role.
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 are relevant to the Planning and Highways Lawyer role. Highlight any specific projects or cases you've worked on that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Use the supporting statement to showcase how you meet the requirements outlined in the job description. Be specific about your experience in planning and highways law, and donât shy away from sharing your enthusiasm for the role!
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit: Since we value teamwork, mention instances where you've successfully collaborated with others. Whether itâs working with colleagues or external partners, demonstrating your ability to work well with others will make you stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, youâll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople
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 legislation that could impact Herefordshire, as this shows your genuine interest in the role and the local area.
â¨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with colleagues and external partners, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated on projects. Highlight how you contributed to team success and problem-solving.
â¨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as advising on redevelopment schemes or dealing with planning enforcement. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios.
â¨Express Your Passion for Community Impact
Herefordshire Council values making a difference in communities. Be ready to share why youâre passionate about legal work that supports sustainable development and community infrastructure, and how you envision contributing to these goals.