At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal advice on planning and highways matters to support local communities.
- Company: Kirklees Council, a leading legal practice dedicated to community outcomes.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, hybrid working, and exceptional family leave policies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with substantial experience in planning law.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you want to make a difference to local people? As one of the largest legal practices in the area, our dedicated Legal Service teams strive to get the best outcomes for people in Kirklees.
The Planning and Highways team handle a wide range of planning, highways, rights of way and environmental matters supporting our ambition for a green, sustainable and prosperous Kirklees.
You will be one of the lead lawyers in the team providing advice to officers and elected members. Examples of matters you will deal with include s106 and 278 agreements, complex and routine planning and highways advice, public enquiries, advice on planning enforcement and public law.
If you are ambitious to develop your knowledge in this specialist area and be supported to develop your management and leadership skills this is the job for you.
You will be a qualified Solicitor holding a current practising certificate, Barrister or a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives. You will have substantial recent experience at a senior level of planning law and practice and experience or the aptitude to develop in highways law, public rights of way and local government law.
Kirklees Council offers these benefits to all its employees:
- 27.5 days annual leave increasing to 32.5 after 5 years’ service (plus bank holidays).
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Travel and parking discounts.
- Exceptional Maternity and Paternity leave policies.
- Local Government Pension.
- Access to Employee Healthcare that offers a range of services from counselling to physiotherapy and health assessments.
- Hybrid working.
If you would like to have an informal discussion about this role, please telephone John Chapman, Head of Legal Services, on 01484 221 000.
To apply please click the Apply Now link below.
Principal Lawyer - Planning and Highways employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Contact Detail:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer - Planning and Highways
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Kirklees Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on planning law and local government issues. We want to show that we’re not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about making a difference in Kirklees.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express our appreciation and reiterate our enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer - Planning and Highways
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in planning law and practice. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for making a difference in local communities shine through. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also genuinely cares about contributing to a sustainable and prosperous Kirklees.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Planning Law
Brush up on the latest developments in planning law and practice. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or legislation that relate to the role, as this will show your expertise and genuine interest in the field.
✨Understand Local Government Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with the workings of local government, especially in Kirklees. Knowing how the council operates and the challenges it faces will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your commitment to making a difference for local people.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific planning or highways scenarios. Think through potential issues and your approach to resolving them, showcasing your problem-solving skills and legal knowledge.
✨Showcase Leadership Potential
Since the role involves providing advice to officers and elected members, highlight any past experiences where you've led a team or project. Discuss how you can contribute to the team's development and your ambition to grow in management and leadership.