Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Highways and Planning legal team as a Senior Lawyer, handling diverse legal agreements and advising clients.
- Company: Surrey County Council is dedicated to improving local government services and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26-31 days holiday, hybrid working, lifestyle discounts, and paid volunteering days.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance while working in a supportive and flexible environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with relevant legal experience.
- Other info: This role will transition to new unitary councils in 2027, ensuring job security.
The predicted salary is between 49800 - 68100 £ per year.
Job Description
This permanent role has a starting salary of £59,868 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.
We have a great opportunity to join our Highways and Planning legal team as a qualified Senior Solicitor or Lawyer. We are looking for a flexible and motivated colleague to join this friendly team. Our work is interesting and varied and we work for informed and appreciative client teams.
The Council adopts a hybrid working policy with flexible working arrangements which includes access to our offices in Reigate and Weybridge combined with remote or home working. We come together in person for 2 days per week on average (40% of the working week).
Rewards and Benefits
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development hub
About the Role
The team sits alongside other teams in the County's Legal Services, supporting the work of the County as Highway Authority and Minerals and Waste Planning Authority. The teams lawyers draft highways and planning agreements, providing advice on planning and highways enforcement, DCO work, appeals, and related litigation. We assist with reports to Committee and Cabinet and provide training for client teams. Our support of officers on enforcement directly benefits residents ensuring that obstruction, encroachment and planning breaches are addressed effectively.
As a Senior Lawyer within the Highways and Planning legal team, you will conduct a number of highways and planning agreements, countryside and highways enforcement and mineral planning advice, working in a committed and positive way, sometimes to tight deadlines. Other work includes advising on general highways and planning issues, local government matters and have conduct of any related appeals / litigation. We work collaboratively with fellow lawyers in our District and Borough legal teams.
The person appointed to this post will have conduct of a number of highways and planning agreements, advise clients on highways and countryside laws regulations and enforcement options some high profile, securing significant benefits for Surrey residents. You will advise on general highways and planning issues, planning enforcement, local government law, Commons, Village Greens, Public Rights of Way, drainage and flooding, and have conduct of any related litigation. You will advise Members, particularly Members of the County's Planning and Regulatory Committee. You will deputise for the Principal Lawyer as required.?The work is fast-paced and key to the delivery of the Council's strategic goals.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
- You are a Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX, eligible to practise in England and Wales with a current practicing certificate issued by the relevant regulatory authority;
- Demonstrate recent legal experience in the relevant areas of highways and planning law;
- Experience of working with clients at all levels and ability to give clear, accurate and practical advice;
- Effective team working;
- Ability to negotiate a range of highways and planning legal agreements and be able to provide practical clear advice on a range of highways and planning matters;
- Ability to take on urgent, and sometimes unfamiliar, matters at short notice;
- Ability to manage competing priorities to achieve client deadlines.
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
This advert closes at 23:59 on 10th August 2025.
This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas. Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information on our website.
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
- The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
- The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
Highways and Planning Senior Lawyer employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Highways and Planning Senior Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in highways and planning law. This will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a fast-paced legal environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of local government law. Attend relevant seminars or webinars, and connect with current employees at Surrey County Council on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights into their work culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific cases or projects where you've successfully navigated complex highways and planning issues. Highlighting your practical experience will show that you can handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively by sharing examples of how you've successfully worked in teams. This is crucial for the role, as you'll be collaborating with various legal teams and client groups.
We think you need these skills to ace Highways and Planning Senior Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX, along with your recent legal experience in highways and planning law. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to provide clear and practical advice.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your motivation for applying to this role and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention your experience working collaboratively and managing competing priorities effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that showcase your ability to negotiate highways and planning legal agreements. Include any instances where you provided advice on urgent matters or worked under tight deadlines.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a legal role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on highways and planning law before the interview. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact the role, as this will show your expertise and commitment to the field.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working collaboratively with other legal teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment. Highlight any experiences where you negotiated agreements or provided advice to clients at various levels.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The job requires managing urgent matters and competing priorities. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've effectively handled tight deadlines or unfamiliar issues, demonstrating your ability to think on your feet and provide practical solutions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don't forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the team's current projects or how they handle changes in local government regulations, which can reflect your proactive approach and genuine interest.
