Senior Planning Lawyer in London

Senior Planning Lawyer in London

London Temporary No working from home possible
Peak District National Park

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide legal advice on planning and environmental matters in a stunning national park.
  • Company: Join a respected legal team dedicated to preserving the Peak District National Park.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexi-time, generous holiday, and a solid pension scheme.
  • Other info: Supportive culture focused on continuous improvement and professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a beautiful environment with passionate colleagues.
  • Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with planning law experience; strong communication skills required.

As the body responsible for conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Peak District National Park, the work we undertake in the legal team is unique. In this role, you will be responsible for providing high-quality legal advice and representation in a wide variety of planning, environmental and minerals-related matters, all of which involve consideration of the special qualities of our protected landscape.

In particular, you can expect to be undertaking S106 and associated Agreements, all methods of planning enforcement and litigation, and attending and advising at Planning Committee (meetings are held in daytime hours). This is a key role within our legal team working alongside experienced, forward-thinking colleagues, all of whom have the collective aim of preserving and protecting our National Park.

About You

We are seeking a fully qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX with knowledge and experience of planning law and practice. You should have experience of providing accurate, solutions-focused legal advice, together with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive stakeholder relationships. You will possess strong technical skills and be able to demonstrate exceptional organisation skills as well as high attention to detail and a strong practical approach to your workload.

Experience of working for a National Park is not essential; we welcome applications from all practice backgrounds and recognise the value, insight and breadth of knowledge that this brings. Similarly, whilst experience of advocacy and other specific elements of this role are desirable, if you have transferable skills and a willingness to learn, we will provide you with the training and mentoring to develop your skills, enabling you to excel in this role and progress your career.

About Us

Our legal team is highly regarded throughout the Authority as professional and reliable, delivering an excellent legal service, with every member of the team having a positive, “can-do” attitude and adopting a problem-solving approach to any challenge presented. We have a positive and supportive culture within our legal team, sharing knowledge and best practices regularly. We are a true team, with the collective ambition of continuous improvement to provide an exemplar legal service to the Authority. Everyone is encouraged to share creative and innovative ideas to improve our team and the delivery of our legal service.

The Peak District National Park was the first of Britain's 15 national parks and is still enjoyed by millions, looking for both adventure and a breathing space to escape. It is also the most accessible due to its proximity to four major cities of the UK and its 38,000 residents. We recognise the importance of our national park, and our job is to speak up and care for the Peak District National Park for all to enjoy forever.

Further Information

A job description and person specification are attached. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Angela Edwards. No agencies at this time please.

Benefits

We operate a hybrid working model and enjoy a healthy work-life balance. We offer a range of staff benefits including flexi-time, a high-quality defined benefit pension scheme, 26-31 days' holiday, plus.

Senior Planning Lawyer in London employer: Peak District National Park

As a Ranger Team Manager in Bakewell, you will join a passionate team dedicated to preserving the beauty of the Peak District National Park. Our organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and community engagement, offering excellent benefits and opportunities for professional growth. With a focus on meaningful initiatives, you'll play a vital role in connecting people with nature while enjoying the stunning surroundings of Derbyshire.

Peak District National Park

Contact Details:

Peak District National Park Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Lawyer in London

Get Involved in Legal Networking Events

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Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Peak District National Park does!

Tap into Law School Resources

If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!

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Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like Peak District National Park.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Lawyer in London

Planning Law
Environmental Law
Minerals Law
S106 Agreements
Planning Enforcement
Litigation
Advocacy

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 Peak District National Park and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!

How to prepare for a job interview at Peak District National Park

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 Senior Planning Lawyer role at Peak District National Park. 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 Peak District National Park.