Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our legal team to handle highways and planning agreements, providing impactful advice.
- Company: Surrey County Council, a dynamic local government organisation.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension, remote work options, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with relevant legal experience.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 61784 - 67859 £ per year.
This permanent role has a salary range of £61,784 to £67,859 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). The team are very approachable with regular catch ups when working remotely.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (prorated for part time staff)
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.
About The Team
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 team's 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.
About The Role
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.
As a Senior Lawyer, you will have good experience in the relevant areas of law and the following skills and abilities:
- Negotiating highways and planning agreements;
- Providing solutions-focused advice on a range of planning and highways matters;
- Drafting briefs to Counsel;
- Drafting and servicing highways notices and TROs and advising on DMMOs;
- Involvement in s78 TCPA 1990 appeals and drafting of related s106 agreements;
- Supervision of paralegal and solicitor roles;
- Managing competing priorities to achieve client deadlines;
- Exemplary client care.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- You are a Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX, eligible to practise in England and Wales with a current practising 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.
This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. This advert closes at 23:59 on 12th April, with interviews expected to take place in the week commencing 27th April 2026.
Contact Us
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. For an informal discussion please contact Jay Das via email.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. 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!
Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidence you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need; we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Senior Highways and Planning Lawyer in Reigate employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Highways and Planning Lawyer in Reigate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in highways and planning. 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 your knowledge of local government law and recent cases in highways and planning. We want you to shine when discussing how your experience aligns with the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your collaborative spirit! Highlight examples from your past where you worked effectively in a team, especially in fast-paced environments. This is key for fitting into our friendly team culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Highways and Planning Lawyer in Reigate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in highways and planning law. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Teamwork Skills: Since we value collaboration, be sure to mention any experiences where you’ve worked effectively in a team. Highlight how you’ve contributed to group success, especially in legal contexts.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on highways and planning law before the interview. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and legislation that might be relevant to the role. This will not only show your expertise but also your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to negotiate agreements and provide practical advice. Think about times when you managed competing priorities or dealt with tight deadlines, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Be a Team Player
Since the role involves collaboration with other legal teams, highlight your experience working in a team environment. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with colleagues to achieve common goals, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the types of projects you'll be working on, and the Council's strategic goals. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the team's success.