At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse legal cases and provide expert advice on planning and property matters.
- Company: Join a supportive council team dedicated to community development and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a culture that values work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities and shape the future of vibrant places.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in planning, property, or public law.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and learning.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 50269 £ per year.
The Vale of Glamorgan is a place with a strong sense of identity, ambition and purpose. Our Vale 2030 plan is more than a strategy, it’s a commitment to creating thriving communities, sustainable places, accessible transport networks and resilient environments.
As a coastal county, with vibrant towns, rural landscapes, major growth zones and significant regeneration underway, the Vale offers some of the most varied, high-profile and impactful legal work in the sector. The decisions we support today will shape how our communities grow, how people move, how land is used and how spaces are protected for generations.
Legal Services is fully embedded in this journey. We are trusted partners to services across the Council, providing clarity, confidence and rigour on issues such as planning, highways, Compulsory Purchase Orders, regeneration, judicial review, rights of way, infrastructure schemes and strategic land use. Our work underpins good governance, strengthens democratic decision-making and protects the public interest.
We are a friendly, supportive and collaborative team who value openness, integrity and curiosity. We work in line with our values, Open, Together, Proud and Ambitious, and welcome colleagues who want to use their legal expertise to create real public value.
About the role
We are recruiting a Senior Lawyer to support the delivery of legal services across Highways, Planning, Property, Contracts, Commons & Village Greens, Public Rights of Way, and associated regulatory and governance matters.
As Senior Lawyer you will:
- Manage a varied caseload including planning enforcement, highways orders, property transactions, rights of way, judicial review and compulsory purchase work.
- Provide confident, timely and solution-focused legal advice to officers, senior leaders and Members.
- Represent the Council in tribunals, public inquiries, planning hearings, CPO inquiries and court proceedings.
- Support committees and democratic processes, ensuring decisions are legally robust and transparent.
- Draft, negotiate and review legal documents, statutory notices and agreements (s106, highways agreements, land transactions).
What we offer:
You’ll join a supportive, friendly and collaborative team where people share knowledge openly and celebrate collective success. We offer a working culture that respects work‑life balance, underpinned by flexible and family‑friendly policies so you can thrive professionally and personally.
About you:
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, problem‑solving and being close to the decisions that shape places and communities. If you want your legal expertise to influence outcomes, not just process transactions, this could be your next step.
You’ll bring:
- Professional qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX.
- Experience in at least one area of: planning, highways, property, contracts, or a related public law field.
- Ability to manage complex or sensitive matters with confidence and independence.
- Strong drafting, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Experience providing clear, pragmatic advice to officers, senior leaders or Members.
- Excellent communication skills, including translating complex legal concepts for non‑lawyers.
- A collaborative, supportive and values‑led approach.
If you are unsure whether you meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We value potential, learning mindset and alignment with our values just as much as technical expertise.
How to apply:
You can apply for this post through the Council webpage ‘Job Vacancies’.
Senior Lawyer - Planning, Property & Contracts in Barry employer: Sellick Partnership
Contact Detail:
Sellick Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer - Planning, Property & Contracts in Barry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in planning or property. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local planning laws and recent cases. Show us you’re not just a legal whiz but also genuinely interested in how these laws impact communities.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our collaborative team at the Vale of Glamorgan.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer - Planning, Property & Contracts in Barry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Lawyer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in planning, property, and contracts can make a real impact. We want to see examples of your problem-solving abilities and how you've provided clear advice in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When drafting your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your legal concepts are easy to understand, especially for non-lawyers.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our Council webpage. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sellick Partnership
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key areas mentioned in the job description, like planning, property, and contracts. Be ready to discuss your experience in these fields and how it relates to the role. This shows you’re not just familiar with the law but also understand its practical application.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex cases you've managed or tricky legal issues you've navigated. The interviewers will want to see how you approach challenges, so think about specific instances where your advice made a real difference.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be translating complex legal concepts for non-lawyers, practice explaining some of your past work in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with officers and senior leaders, which is crucial for this role.
✨Embrace the Values
Familiarise yourself with the Council's values: Open, Together, Proud, and Ambitious. Think about how your personal values align with these and be prepared to share examples that reflect your commitment to collaboration and integrity during the interview.