At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage planning and regulatory matters, providing legal advice and drafting agreements.
- Company: Join a dynamic local government team making a real impact in the community.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape sustainable development and support your community through impactful legal work.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with planning law experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Ormskirk / Hybrid, with travel to other locations required.
We are seeking a skilled and motivated legal professional with experience in Planning and Regulatory law, playing a key role in delivering a high quality, proactive and customer focused legal service to the Council. Reporting to the Principal Solicitor, you will support the delivery of a comprehensive legal service across planning matters, contributing to the Council’s strategic priorities and ensuring that decisions are underpinned by a robust legal framework. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of local government, supporting sustainable development and shaping the communities we serve.
About the Role
- Managing a varied caseload of planning and regulatory matters, including planning applications, enforcement, appeals, inquiries and related litigation.
- Providing clear, pragmatic and solution-focused legal advice on complex planning issues, including development management, policy and interpretation of legislation.
- Drafting and advising on planning agreements, including section 106 agreements, unilateral undertakings and related infrastructure arrangements.
- Preparing and conducting cases, including advocacy where appropriate, in courts, tribunals and public inquiries or instruct Counsel as required.
- Supporting the development of planning policy, including local plans and neighbourhood plans, ensuring legal compliance and best practice.
- Attending committees, sub-committees and working groups, providing timely and accurate legal advice to Members and senior officers.
- Contributing to the drafting of bespoke legal documentation and the development of new processes and working practices in evolving areas of law.
- Building strong working relationships with internal teams, external partners and stakeholders to deliver coordinated and effective outcomes.
- Supporting continuous improvement within the legal service, contributing to a proactive, efficient and high-performing team.
What You Will Bring
- Qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with experience in planning law and local government work.
- Strong technical knowledge of planning legislation, practice and procedure, including enforcement and planning obligations.
- Experience of drafting legal agreements and handling planning-related proceedings, including advocacy or case preparation.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to deadlines within a complex environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to advise senior officers, Members and external stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide creative and legally sound solutions.
- A proactive, solution-focused approach with sound judgement and attention to detail.
- The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative and supportive team.
These are politically restricted posts (see Section 2 Local Government and Housing Act 1989).
Planning Solicitor – Interim in Ormskirk employer: North West Legal Consortium
Join our dynamic team in Ormskirk, where we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Planning Solicitor, you will not only contribute to meaningful community development but also benefit from continuous professional growth opportunities and a flexible hybrid working environment. Our commitment to excellence ensures that you will be part of a high-performing legal service dedicated to making a positive impact in local government.
Contact Details:
North West Legal Consortium Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Solicitor – Interim in Ormskirk
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Planning Solicitor – Interim in Ormskirk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with North West Legal Consortium and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at North West Legal Consortium
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Planning Solicitor – Interim role at North West Legal Consortium. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at North West Legal Consortium.
