At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on highways and transportation matters for the Council.
- Company: LegalThurrock Council, a dynamic unitary authority in Essex.
- Benefits: Competitive pay rate of £85.48 per hour and hybrid working model.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local development and regeneration projects.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with at least two years' relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Pay rate is £85.48 per hour umbrella (21 hours every week).
Address - New Road, Grays, Essex, RM176SL
Hybrid role, 2 days in office every week.
Job Purpose: To contribute to the provision of a comprehensive legal service to the Council and its Officers. The Council is a unitary authority and the local highway authority for its area. We are seeking to appoint a Highways Lawyer to provide legal advice and support on a wide range of highways and transportation matters, varying in complexity, to support the effective discharge of the Council's statutory functions. The role will include advising on highways matters arising from a high level of development and regeneration activity across the borough, including the highways and traffic implications of major and complex schemes. The post will be undertaken within a changing and evolving organisation, including in the context of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), requiring flexibility, resilience, and a collaborative approach to service delivery.
About you: You will be a qualified solicitor, barrister, or chartered legal executive with a minimum of two years' relevant post‑qualification experience, with demonstrable experience in highways law or a closely related public law area. You will have experience of advising on highways matters arising from significant development and regeneration activity, with an understanding of the interface between highways, planning, and infrastructure delivery. You will be confident advising on Traffic Regulation Orders and traffic management measures, including those required to support development and regeneration schemes. You will be a collaborative and emotionally intelligent lawyer, able to build effective working relationships with officers, Members, and external stakeholders, and to communicate legal advice clearly, proportionately, and with sensitivity in a political and public‑sector environment. You will be a strong team player, comfortable working within a changing organisational context, including during periods of Local Government Reorganisation, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a constructive approach to supporting colleagues and maintaining service continuity.
Key Service Accountabilities:
- Highways
- Providing legal advice on the Highways Act 1980 and related legislation
- Drafting and reviewing enforcement notices, orders (including stopping‑up and diversion orders), and agreements, including but not limited to sections 38 and 278 agreements, s.50 agreements, highway licences etc
- Advising on highways and traffic matters arising from planning, development, and regeneration proposals
- Drafting, advising on, and supporting the making of Traffic Regulation Orders, including those linked to development, regeneration, traffic management, and highway safety schemes
- Advising on public rights of way, traffic regulation, and highway adoption issues
- Advising on statutory duties under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010
- Supporting the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) role as a statutory consultee on surface water drainage
- Drafting and negotiating legal agreements relating to sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)
- Assisting with legal aspects of flood risk management schemes and enforcement under the Land Drainage Act 1991
- Governance and General
- Advising on public law, governance, and decision making risk
- Supporting officers and Members on highways‑related committee and decision‑making
- Instructing and managing external legal advisers where required
- Contributing to reports and guidance to support lawful, robust, and proportionate decision‑making
- Working collaboratively as part of the Legal Services team, demonstrating professionalism, emotional intelligence, and a positive, team‑focused approach
Have a firm understanding of Key Legislation:
- Highways Act 1980
- Flood and Water Management Act 2010
- Land Drainage Act 1991
- Related highways, traffic, and public law legislation
Highways Lawyer in Chelmsford employer: RG Setsquare
LegalThurrock Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and professional growth. With a commitment to providing comprehensive legal services, employees benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements and the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects that impact local development and regeneration. The Council values resilience and adaptability, ensuring that team members are supported through organisational changes while contributing to the community's well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Highways Lawyer in Chelmsford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the highways law field! Attend local legal events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with highways law and related public law areas. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex issues in the past – it’ll show you’re the right fit for the role!
✨Be Ready for the Unexpected
Local Government Reorganisation can throw a spanner in the works, so be prepared to adapt! Show your flexibility and resilience during interviews by discussing how you’ve successfully navigated changes in previous roles. It’s all about demonstrating that you can roll with the punches.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the Highways Lawyer position! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Highways Lawyer in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in highways law and related public law areas. We want to see how your skills match the specific requirements of the Highways Lawyer role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role at LegalThurrock Council. Be sure to mention your experience with Traffic Regulation Orders and your collaborative approach to working with stakeholders.
Showcase Your Flexibility:Given the evolving nature of the organisation, it’s important to demonstrate your adaptability. Share examples of how you’ve successfully navigated changes in previous roles, especially in a local government context. We love a resilient team player!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your journey started!
How to prepare for a job interview at RG Setsquare
✨Know Your Highways Law
Make sure you brush up on the Highways Act 1980 and related legislation before your interview. Being able to discuss specific cases or examples where you've applied this knowledge will show that you're not just familiar with the law, but that you can apply it effectively in real-world situations.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires a strong team player who can build effective relationships. Prepare examples of how you've worked collaboratively in previous roles, especially in a legal context. Highlight your emotional intelligence and adaptability, as these traits are crucial for navigating the changing landscape of local government.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in highways and traffic matters. Think about past experiences where you had to advise on Traffic Regulation Orders or manage complex legal issues. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you arrived at your conclusions.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since you'll be advising officers and stakeholders, practice articulating your legal advice clearly and sensitively. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon when possible. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in a political and public-sector environment, which is key for this role.
