At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal advice on planning and highways, mentor colleagues, and ensure high practice standards.
- Company: Join Westmorland & Furness Council, an ambitious authority transforming public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, enhanced leave, and various perks.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive workplace that values your unique contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEX Lawyer with 3+ years' experience in planning and highways law.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid Working with Agile working across Westmorland & Furness
Contract Type: Permanent
Why work for Westmorland & 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.
Benefits
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 discount schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.
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 employer: LLG Enterprises Limited
Westmorland & Furness Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to shaping public services with a focus on community and customer needs. With a commitment to professional development, you will have the opportunity to lead and mentor within a supportive legal team while enjoying benefits such as a competitive pension scheme and enhanced annual leave. Our inclusive work culture values diversity and ensures that all employees feel valued and empowered to make a difference in the lives of our residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Lawyer - Planning & Highways
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with 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 your past experiences and how they relate to the role at Westmorland & Furness Council. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your mentoring skills! If you’ve supervised or trained colleagues before, be sure to highlight this in conversations. The council values leadership, so let’s make sure they see your potential.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Westmorland & Furness Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Lawyer - Planning & Highways
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application 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 improved team performance in your previous roles.
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 will help us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Westmorland & Furness Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at LLG Enterprises Limited
✨Know Your Planning & Highways Law
Brush up on your knowledge of planning and highways law before the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or legislation that are relevant to the role, such as S106 and S278 Agreements. This will show your expertise and confidence in the subject matter.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this is a senior role, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or mentored colleagues in the past. Highlight your ability to maintain high practice standards and how you’ve contributed to service planning in previous positions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and judgement. Think of scenarios where you had to advise at Planning Committees or deal with planning appeals. Prepare structured responses that demonstrate your thought process and decision-making abilities.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. During the interview, ensure you listen carefully to questions and respond thoughtfully, showcasing your strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with various stakeholders.
