At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on planning matters and manage complex caseloads.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking shared service supporting three ambitious local councils.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, wellbeing support, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape communities through impactful legal work in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with planning experience and supervisory skills.
We’re looking for an experienced Senior Lawyer specialising in Planning to join our highly regarded shared service 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. Mid Kent Legal Services is a forward-thinking, innovative shared service, known for delivering high-quality legal support across three ambitious local authorities.
We offer:
- High-profile, varied work you won’t find in most private practice roles
- A supportive, collaborative team culture
- Real opportunities for personal and professional development
- Smart use of technology to maximise your time and impact
- A genuine commitment to flexibility and wellbeing
About the role
As a Senior Lawyer (Planning), you will provide high-quality professional legal services and manage a caseload of complex planning matters across the three authorities of the shared service. Your work will include:
- Providing expert legal advice on planning matters including planning applications, enforcement, appeals and inquiries
- Drafting and reviewing statutory agreements and associated documentation
- Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and case law
- Contributing to policy development and strategic planning initiatives
- Advising elected Members, committees and senior officers on planning law, policy and process
You will also play a key role in maintaining professional standards, including:
- Supporting compliance with Lexcel and internal governance requirements
- Supervising junior lawyers and support staff
- Delivering training and briefings to Members and colleagues
- Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective planning processes.
The role requires sound technical expertise combined with the ability to exercise professional judgement in a politically sensitive environment. This is a full time role working 34 hours per week on a permanent contract. The role offers the benefit of hybrid working, combining the flexibility to work from home with office-based working on a business needs basis.
About You
To be considered as our Senior Lawyer (Planning), you will need:
- To be a qualified lawyer, solicitor, barrister, legal executive or have equivalent qualification and experience.
- Post qualification legal practice experience in planning and development.
- Experience with case management and legal research.
- Supervisory experience in connection with planning casework.
- Experience of Planning Appeals, court proceedings and legal document drafting.
- Familiarity with statutory instruments, regulations, and guidance relating to local government planning and development law.
- Experience in advising at Committees and operating in politically sensitive environments.
This is the ideal opportunity for an experienced planning lawyer with a track record of dealing with complex and often high profile planning agreements, providing high level legal advice and dealing with the complex issues arising from present day developments to join our forward-thinking shared service.
Our Offer
- Generous annual leave + Christmas closure (with the option to buy additional annual leave)
- Flexible working opportunities including:
- Compressed hours / 9-day fortnight / part-time options
- 34-hour full-time week (with early Friday finish)
- Wellbeing support, counselling and healthcare initiatives
- Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping
- Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, car leasing)
- Free parking across partner authority sites
Are you interested? For an informal discussion, please contact: Timothy Pyant, Interim Business Manager – 01622 602155
Closing Date 12th July 2026
Interview Date: w/c 20th July 2026
Senior Lawyer - Planning in Kent employer: Swale Borough Council
Join Mid Kent Legal Services as a Senior Lawyer specialising in Planning, where you will engage in high-profile and impactful legal work across Swale, Maidstone, and Tunbridge Wells Borough Councils. Our supportive and collaborative team culture fosters personal and professional growth, while our commitment to flexibility and wellbeing ensures a balanced work-life experience. With innovative use of technology and a focus on community shaping, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in local governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer - Planning in Kent
✨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 Senior Lawyer - Planning in Kent
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 Senior Lawyer - Planning. 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.
