At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice in planning and contracts, shaping communities through impactful work.
- Company: Join the highly regarded Mid Kent Legal Services supporting local councils.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: CILEX Level 3 qualification and relevant legal practice experience required.
The predicted salary is between 33389 - 47728 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Lawyer specialising in Planning and a Lawyer specialising in Contracts & Commissioning to join our highly regarded Mid Kent Legal Services (MKLS) providing legal services and advice to Swale, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Borough Councils. The service covers a range of areas including Property and Regeneration, Planning, Contentious, Contracts & Commissioning and Corporate Governance. Working across multiple councils means a range of high-level, challenging and impactful work. This is more than a legal role—it’s your opportunity to shape communities. MKLS is a supportive and nurturing environment which provides opportunities to progress through learning and development.
About the Roles
As our Lawyer (Planning), you will provide high-quality, proactive professional legal advice and support in planning law and practice. You will manage a legal caseload for planning and development, including legal research, drafting, reviewing and negotiating legal documentation, to include Section 106 planning obligations, and enforcement notices.
As our Lawyer (Contracts & Commissioning), you will provide high-quality, proactive professional legal advice and support for contracts and commissioning. You will manage a legal caseload, including drafting, reviewing and negotiating legal documentation, including procurement processes. Ensuring we operate at the forefront of legal excellence and align with Lexcel standards, you will provide legal advice and communications to clients, across all three local authorities. You will be developed and supported to supervise less senior fee earners and Legal Support Officers, ensuring high-quality support and administration in legal transactions.
Additional Responsibilities
- Stay updated on legal developments in planning law
- Be developed and supported to represent MKLS in internal working groups and external meetings
- Be prepared to attend meetings of the Mid Kent Services authorities, including planning committee
- Uphold and comply with the policies of the Mid Kent Services authorities
This is a full time role working 34 hours per week on a permanent contract. This role offers the benefit of hybrid working, combining the flexibility to work from home with office-based working, on a business needs basis.
Our Offer
- Salary - Career Grade 6-8 £33,389 - £47,728 pa (plus £4,000 market supplement for Grade 7-8)
- A range of benefits including:
- 34 hour full time working week with the offices closing at 1:30pm on Friday
- Generous holiday entitlement which increases after 5 years LG service plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave
- Additional 3 days leave given to enable a close down of the offices between Christmas and New year
- Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities
- Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand-new car. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
- Cycle to work scheme
- Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping
- Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals
- A professional fee payment, if required for the role
About You
To be considered as our Lawyer (Planning), you will need:
- To hold a minimum of CILEX Level 3 qualification, and be working towards CILEX Level 6 qualification (or equivalent)
- Some legal practice experience in planning law and procedure
- Knowledge, understanding and experience of drafting Section 106 agreements
- Some knowledge and understanding of the political nature of local government and democratic process
- A full, valid UK driving licence and the ability to travel to attend the offices of the shared service authorities
This is the ideal opportunity for a planning legal professional to join our forward-thinking shared service.
To be considered as our Lawyer (Contracts & Commissioning), you will need:
- To hold a minimum of CILEX Level 3 qualification, and be working towards CILEX Level 6 qualification (or equivalent)
- Some legal practice experience in contracts and commissioning
- Knowledge, understanding and experience of applying the new Procurement Act and experience of drafting Building Contracts
- Some knowledge and understanding of the political nature of local government and democratic process
- A full, valid UK driving licence and the ability to travel to attend the offices of the shared service authorities
Selection Process
Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Those that are shortlisted can expect an in-person interview at one of the offices of the shared service authorities.
Swale Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Tim Pyant.
Closing Date 12th July 2026
Interview Date: w/c 27th July 2026
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning & Contracts Lawyer for Local Councils in England
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Swale Borough Council, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning & Contracts Lawyer for Local Councils in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Swale Borough Council, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Swale Borough Council and the specific role of Planning & Contracts Lawyer for Local Councils. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Swale Borough Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swale Borough Council
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Swale Borough Council.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Swale Borough Council.
