Solicitor - Planning and Highway (Contract) in London

Local Government LawyerPosted: 2026-10-29Valid to: 2026-11-22Apply: Following a recent reorganisation, exciting opportunities have arisen within the Legal services for a dedicated, enthusiastic Principal Planning Lawyer. Main duties of the jobWe're looking for a dynamic and strategic legal professional to join our high-performing in-house team as a Principal Lawyer in the planning legal team which will include the following duties: Assist in leading the delivery of the service within the area of responsibility of the post and manage, influence and direct employees, in accordance with the Council's policies and procedures and performance management framework to achieve service and corporate objectives. Manage and monitor all aspects of the respective service area's performance against agreed targets, ensuring the achievement of appropriate standards. Report to the Head of Legal as required on levels of performance and action plans for improvement. Contribute to budget and target setting, ensure effective financial performance in the areas of responsibility within the remit of the role and support the effective financial management of the Council. Actively consider new and innovative ways of delivering services that provide high quality and good value for money, support and contribute to delivery of the Council's wider corporate plan. Provide positive leadership, leading by example, acting with the highest levels of integrity and instilling a clear sense of purpose, priority and direction whilst motivating, empowering and training your team to optimise their skills and performance. Deputise for the Head of Legal and act as an advocate on behalf of the Council where appropriate, in relevant Courts, tribunals and inquiries and instruct Counsel to represent the Council as necessary. Scrutinise, comment on and prepare legal implications for reports to the Council and its committees and sub committees. To attend relevant committees, sub committees and other meetings to provide legal advice as required. To work in a corporate, collaborative and co-operative way both within Law and Governance and with Senior Council Managers and Members. To carry out duties elsewhere in Law and Governance commensurate with the grading of the post as may be directed. Working for our organisationYou will be working within the legal services department responsible for managing a team dealing with all aspects of housing litigation, associated advice and disputes. For an informal discussion about this post please contact [email protected]Working for the team, service and our organisationIslington is a place rich with diversity and culture. To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out 'CARE', which is what we think public service is all about. Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government serviceA range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working weekLearning and development opportunities to maximise your potentialCompetitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimumExcellent local government pension schemeCycle to Work scheme and discounted gym membershipsLocal discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more! Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues. We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington. Proof of addressEvidence of any name changes (if applicable)Right to work in the UKOverseas criminal record check (if applicable)Satisfactory referencesOccupational Health clearanceEvidence of professional qualifications or registrationsDBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)Safeguarding We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Disability Confident Scheme Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us. Download Principal Planning Lawyer JD.pdf