At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal advice on planning and highways, mentor colleagues, and manage high standards.
- Company: Westmorland and Furness Council, committed to transforming public services for the community.
- Benefits: Competitive pension, enhanced leave, and various perks and discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive culture welcoming diverse applicants, with guaranteed interviews for eligible candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping public services while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEX Lawyer with 3+ years' experience in planning law.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Location: Hybrid Working with Agile working across Westmorland & Furness
Contract Type: Permanent
Why work for Westmorland and Furness Council
Westmorland and Furness Council will be an ambitious authority that will shape public services for the better, building on the best and transforming them for the future. We are committed to putting our customers and communities first, and to be the heart of everything we do.
About This Role
Westmorland & Furness Council is seeking an experienced Lead Lawyer (Planning & Highways) to play a senior role within our Legal Team. This is an exciting opportunity to support on the Council’s planning and highways work. In this leadership role, you will provide high‑quality, practical and focused legal advice on planning and highways work and corporate projects. You will also supervise and mentor colleagues, helping to develop excellence within the team and ensure high practice standards across Legal Services.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading on completion of S106 Agreements
- Advising at Planning Committees
- Preparing for hearings and inquiries
- Dealing with planning appeals
- Planning Enforcement
- Leading on completion of S278 Agreements and other Highways Agreements
- Contributing to service planning and maintaining high standards of legal practice management
About You
You will be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEX Lawyer with a current practising certificate and at least 3 years’ post‑qualification experience. You will bring strong expertise in planning and highways law and be confident advising at a senior level and supporting colleagues through supervision and mentoring. You will be a strong team player with a proven track record of delivering to deadlines, have effective communication skills and be able to use sound judgment to solve problems. You will be used to working in a busy pressurised environment and will enjoy a challenge. A commitment to delivering the best possible service for the benefit of our residents and clients is required. You must have good IT literacy skills and an ability to use electronic publications for the purpose of legal work and research are critical. Other duties will include dealing with a range of matters including providing advice to officers and elected members, attending Council Planning Committees and working groups as required.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences. As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview. We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old that meet the essential criteria for the role.
Lead Lawyer - Planning & Highways in Horsham employer: Lawyers In Local Government
Westmorland and Furness Council is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while fostering a culture of inclusivity and support. With a commitment to professional development, you will have the opportunity to mentor colleagues and lead significant legal projects in a hybrid working environment that promotes work-life balance. The council offers competitive benefits, including a robust pension scheme and enhanced annual leave, making it a rewarding place to build your career in public service.
Contact Detail:
Lawyers In Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Lawyer - Planning & Highways in Horsham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in planning and highways law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of S106 and S278 Agreements. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled similar challenges in the past. We want to see your expertise shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your mentoring skills! If you’ve supervised colleagues before, share those experiences during interviews. Highlighting your leadership abilities will set you apart as a candidate who can elevate the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and benefits right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Lawyer - Planning & Highways in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning and highways law. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor others. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues or led projects in the past – we love to see that team spirit!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about what we offer at Westmorland and Furness Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawyers In Local Government
✨Know Your Planning & Highways Law
Brush up on the latest developments in planning and highways law. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or legislation that are relevant to the role, as this will show your expertise and commitment to the field.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this is a senior role, think of examples where you've successfully led a team or mentored colleagues. Be ready to share how you’ve contributed to high practice standards and how you can bring that experience to Westmorland and Furness Council.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions about handling complex legal situations, such as S106 Agreements or planning appeals. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios to showcase your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment to Community Service
Westmorland and Furness Council values community service highly. Be prepared to discuss how your work has positively impacted communities in the past and how you plan to continue that commitment in this role.
