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- Tasks: Lead a team providing legal advice on planning and highways matters.
- Company: Join LAW Absolute, a dynamic recruitment agency supporting local authorities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make an impact in public sector law while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor or barrister with 3+ years' experience in local government.
- Other info: Applications are welcomed from all candidates demonstrating relevant skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
LAW Absolute is recruiting on behalf of a Local Authority based in Bedfordshire, for an experienced planning lawyer to take on a Principal Lawyer role on a full-time permanent basis.
You will lead a team of lawyers in providing innovative and pragmatic legal advice in respect of planning, development and highways matters to a range of public sector clients.
Previous UK local government experience is an essential requirement.
To apply you will be:
- An England and Wales qualified solicitor, barrister or chartered legal executive with a minimum of 3 years’ PQE
- Able to demonstrate previous experience handling a complex caseload of planning matters in a local government environment
- Able to demonstrate previous experience leading a team of planning lawyers in a local government environment
- Able to attend the office in Bedfordshire on a hybrid basis of 2 days per week
The salary for this role is £60,600 - £75,200 per annum, dependent on experience.
Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However, we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.
At LAW Absolute we endeavour to respond to all applications within 48 hours. However, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to respond to every candidate individually.
If you have not heard from us within a 48-hour timeframe, your application has not been successful and your details have not been retained. LAW Absolute acts as an employment business for temporary recruitment and as an employment agency for fixed term contract and permanent recruitment.
Principal Lawyer - Planning & Highways employer: Law Absolute Limited
Contact Detail:
Law Absolute Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer - Planning & Highways
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the local government sector, especially those who have experience in planning law. Attend relevant legal seminars or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn about current trends in planning and highways law.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific planning and highways legislation relevant to Bedfordshire. Understanding local policies and recent developments can give you an edge during interviews and discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in detail. Think of specific examples where you successfully led a team through complex planning cases, as this will be crucial for demonstrating your suitability for the Principal Lawyer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Local Authority's recent projects and initiatives in planning and development. Being able to reference these in your conversations will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation, making you a more compelling candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer - Planning & Highways
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the specific requirements for the Principal Lawyer position. Pay attention to the qualifications, experience, and skills needed, especially regarding planning and highways matters.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in local government and planning law. Emphasise your leadership skills and any complex cases you have handled, ensuring it aligns with the job's expectations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for planning law and your ability to lead a team. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a legal role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Law Absolute Limited
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Lawyer, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in managing and mentoring other lawyers, highlighting specific examples of how you've successfully guided your team through complex planning matters.
✨Demonstrate Your Local Government Experience
Since previous UK local government experience is essential, ensure you can articulate your understanding of the unique challenges and regulations within this environment. Prepare to discuss specific cases you've handled that relate to planning and highways.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about past cases where you had to provide innovative legal advice and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Understand the Hybrid Working Model
With a hybrid working model in place, be ready to discuss how you manage your time and productivity when working both in the office and remotely. Highlight any tools or strategies you use to maintain effective communication with your team.
