Planning Lawyer in London

For this role we are welcoming applications from candidates seeking either part-time or full-time employment. We recognise that flexibility is important, and we are committed to considering talented individuals from a variety of working backgrounds and preferences. Whether you are looking for a full-time position or a part-time opportunity, we encourage you to apply, as both options will be considered for the right candidate.

Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues such as The Shard, The Tate Modern and Borough Market along with many social enterprises and we have a young, diverse, and growing population. At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals, and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice, and inequality, underpins all that we do.

As a Planning Lawyer at Southwark Council, you will provide expert legal advice and support on all matters relating to planning and development. You’ll tackle complex legal challenges and provide expert advice to a wide range of stakeholders. Your responsibilities will include:

• Delivering strategic insights on Planning issues and legislative impacts on council services.
• Managing a diverse and stimulating caseload from the outset.
• Advising committees, councillors, and officers on planning law.
• Drafting and negotiating section 106, section 278, and section 38 agreements.
• Assisting with planning appeals, judicial reviews, and enforcement matters.
• Ensuring compliance with Lexcel standards and best legal practices.

In your role, we want you to feel supported, challenged and rewarded. You will benefit from a local government pension scheme, plus many other staff benefits. You will join a motivated, driven and supportive team that strives for excellence and values its members. Key benefits include:

• Competitive Salary & Pension: Rewarding your hard work with a great package.
• Growth Opportunities: Access extensive training and development, both internally and externally.
• Benefits package to the value of £2,327 per annum (pro rata April - March) which can be used towards gym membership, health insurance, season ticket purchase, bicycle purchase, additional voluntary contribution to pension, subscriptions and professional fees.

We’re looking for a highly skilled and proactive Planning Lawyer who can hit the ground running. To be successful in this role, you’ll need to bring a blend of the following:

• A current practising certificate as an admitted Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (or eligibility to apply for one).
• A strong understanding of local government law, particularly in relation to planning and ideally highways.
• A good level of post-qualification experience in planning law (or significant pre-qualification experience).
• The ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.
• A track record of managing a varied caseload and meeting performance targets.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically.
• Confidently manage risk using sound judgment and critical analysis.
• Embrace the opportunity to work with a diverse team, both within the legal service and across the council.

This role offers flexible home working blended with travel into our London Bridge HQ.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Kamil Dolebski.

Additional Information:

• Closing Date: 09/10/2026
• Shortlisting Date: 12/10/2026
• Interview Date: 16/10/2026
• Hours of Work: Monday to Friday (36hrs per week) Part Time or Full Time - Flexibility to be discussed.
• Location: 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH
• Type of Contract: Permanent
• DBS: No DBS is Required for this role.

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities.