At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on highways and transportation matters while supporting local development projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic unitary authority focused on community development and regeneration.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a focus on resilience and adaptability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community through impactful legal work.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in highways law and public law.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Job Purpose: To contribute to the provision of a comprehensive legal service to the client and its Officers. The client 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 client’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
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
Location: Grays, Essex
Highways Lawyer in Grays employer: Sheer Jobs Ltd
As a Highways Lawyer with our unitary authority in Grays, Essex, you will be part of a dynamic and evolving organisation that values collaboration and resilience. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous professional development opportunities, while also providing a meaningful role in shaping the future of our local highways and transportation systems. Join us to make a tangible impact in your community, all within a flexible working environment that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Highways Lawyer in Grays
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the highways law field. Attend local government events, legal seminars, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with Traffic Regulation Orders and public rights of way. Tailor your conversations to showcase how your skills align with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job opening that fits your skills, don’t just wait for the application process. Reach out directly to the hiring manager or team to express your interest and ask insightful questions about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to contribute to the exciting work we do in highways law.
We think you need these skills to ace Highways Lawyer in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in highways law and related public law areas. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit:Since this role involves working closely with officers, Members, and external stakeholders, it’s essential to demonstrate your ability to build effective relationships. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles to tackle complex legal issues.
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to communicate your legal expertise and ensure your advice is easily understood. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheer Jobs Ltd
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Highways Act 1980, Flood and Water Management Act 2010, and Land Drainage Act 1991. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you're not just familiar with them but can apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully advised on highways matters or dealt with Traffic Regulation Orders. This will help demonstrate your relevant experience and how it aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role requires working closely with officers, Members, and external stakeholders, be ready to share instances where you've effectively collaborated in a team. Highlight your emotional intelligence and adaptability in changing environments.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex legal concepts in simple terms. The ability to communicate legal advice clearly and sensitively is crucial, especially in a public-sector context. Consider doing mock interviews to refine this skill.
