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- Tasks: Join our team as a Senior Planning and Highways Lawyer, handling complex legal matters.
- Company: Be part of Peterborough City Council's innovative legal service with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25+ days of leave, flexible bank holidays, and access to discounts and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while working in a supportive and diverse environment.
- Qualifications: Minimum two years post-qualified experience in local government and expertise in planning and highways law.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, especially underrepresented groups.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you looking to be part of a forward-thinking and innovative legal team with a reputation for excellent service delivery?
Now is the perfect time to become a part of Peterborough City Council’s Legal Service! Following a recent restructure due to the continued growth in our city, we have several exciting opportunities within our Legal Department for Legal Officers and qualified Lawyers with various specialisms. We are looking for positive, enthusiastic, and innovative individuals to join us on our journey. Let’s make a difference together!
All about the Role
We have an exciting opportunity for you to join the Property, Planning & Highways team at Peterborough City Council as a Senior Planning and Highways Lawyer! Our team is made up of a Principal Lawyer, seven Senior Lawyers, one Lawyer, and two Legal Officers.
We are looking for a candidate who has a minimum of two years post qualified experience within the local government with strong knowledge and expertise of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Highways Act 1980. The role will report to the Principal Lawyer, Property, Planning and Highways and will be located within our Sand Martin House office.
As part of the Team, you will be responsible for a caseload of complex matters that will be demanding and with limited supervision from the Principal Lawyer such as:
- Handling a diverse caseload of planning and highway matters
- Providing advice on a wide range of planning matters including highways
- Drafting and negotiating Planning agreements such as section 106 agreements
- Drafting and negotiating Highways agreements such as Section 278 and 38 agreements
- Attending planning committee meetings
- Undertaking complex legal work, at times highly complex, which will often involve new or complex processes and to be responsible for completing all aspects of the task in accordance with good legal practice and client service specification
- Instructing Counsel and/or external legal support following approval from the Head of Service: Legal Services & Deputy Monitoring Officer when appropriate for complex legal issues and to assist Counsel as required when necessary
All About Our Legal Team
The Legal Department at Peterborough City Council is a robust team of around 50 officers, divided into four sections: Planning & Property, Commercial, Contracts & Procurement, Child Protection, and Litigation (which also includes Adult Social Care and Employment).
Our team comprises lawyers, legal officers, and our newly appointed Head of Legal, supported by administrative staff to ensure efficient service delivery. We not only serve our internal PCC client departments with a range of support across various service areas but also provide external legal support to other Local Authorities.
All about our Benefits
We value our colleagues and have developed a number of benefits in addition to our generous annual leave starting at 25 days + bank holidays, sick pay and local government pension scheme:
- Access to a range of benefits via Vivup, including in-store and online discounts as well as our Cycle to Work and Home & Electronics schemes
- Buy up to 10 days additional annual leave (pro-rata)
- Access to car lease scheme
- Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances
- Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared Cost AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings
- Access to development opportunities including apprenticeships to support your personal and professional growth
- Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day
- Access to our equality, diversity and inclusion network
- Opportunities to receive Employee Recognition Awards
All about our Commitments
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to fostering diversity, advancing equity, and building an inclusive workplace for everyone. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those from underrepresented groups, including disabled people, care leavers, and individuals from minority ethnic communities. Your unique perspectives and experiences are encouraged and valued and will play a vital role in our success.
We are committed to making our recruitment process as accessible as possible. If you are disabled and require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact , we will work with you to meet your needs.
We proudly serve the vibrant and diverse communities of Peterborough and are committed to reflecting this diversity within our team. A diverse workforce benefits everyone – our employees, the organisation, and the communities we serve. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Lawyer - Planning & Highways employer: Peterborough City Council
Contact Detail:
Peterborough City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer - Planning & Highways
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Highways Act 1980. Understanding these laws in depth will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Peterborough City Council, especially those in the Legal Department. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific cases or projects you've worked on that relate to planning and highways law. Highlighting your practical experience will show that you can handle the complex matters mentioned in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for working in a local government setting. Show how your values align with the council's commitment to diversity and community service, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer - Planning & Highways
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Lawyer Planning & Highways position. Make sure you understand the responsibilities and requirements, especially regarding the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Highways Act 1980.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize your post-qualified experience in local government law. Provide specific examples of your work with planning and highway matters, including any complex legal issues you've handled.
Show Enthusiasm for the Team: Express your enthusiasm for joining a forward-thinking legal team. Mention how your values align with the council's commitment to excellent service delivery and making a positive impact in the community.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a tailored cover letter that addresses the specific needs of the Property, Planning & Highways team. Discuss your approach to handling diverse caseloads and your ability to work with limited supervision, as well as your willingness to contribute to the team's success.
How to prepare for a job interview at Peterborough City Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you have a strong grasp of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Highways Act 1980. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios and your previous experiences.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your post-qualified experience in local government. Prepare specific examples of complex planning and highway matters you've handled, focusing on your role and the outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since you'll be part of a larger legal team, emphasize your ability to work collaboratively. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with colleagues or external counsel in the past.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be presented with hypothetical legal scenarios during the interview. Practice articulating your thought process and approach to resolving complex legal issues, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
