At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on highways and transportation matters for the Council.
- Company: Thurrock Council, a dynamic local authority focused on community development.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on resilience and adaptability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local infrastructure and community development.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with at least two years' experience in highways law.
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:
- 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
- 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 Grays employer: RG Setsquare
Thurrock Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for legal professionals. With a focus on employee growth and development, the Council provides opportunities to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the community, all while enjoying a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. The collaborative culture fosters strong relationships among colleagues and stakeholders, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a difference in local governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Highways Lawyer in Grays
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with 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 key legislation like the Highways Act 1980 and the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. We want you to be able to discuss these confidently and show off your expertise!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've worked effectively with teams or stakeholders. This role is all about building relationships, so let that shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Highways Lawyer in Grays
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 align with the specific requirements of the Highways Lawyer role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or cases you've worked on.
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 Thurrock Council. Be sure to mention your experience with Traffic Regulation Orders and your ability to work collaboratively in a changing environment, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Soft Skills:While your legal expertise is crucial, we also value emotional intelligence and teamwork. In your application, give examples of how you've built effective working relationships and communicated complex legal advice clearly. This will help us see you as a well-rounded candidate.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at RG Setsquare
✨Know Your Highways Law
Brush up on the Highways Act 1980 and related legislation before your interview. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with advising on highways matters, especially in relation to development and regeneration activities.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to work collaboratively with officers, Members, and external stakeholders. This role requires emotional intelligence, so think of situations where you successfully built relationships and communicated legal advice effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in highways law. Practice articulating your thought process on how you would handle complex legal issues, such as Traffic Regulation Orders or public rights of way.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Resilience
Given the changing nature of local government, be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to new challenges in previous roles. Highlight your resilience and constructive approach to maintaining service continuity during transitions.
