At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on complex planning matters and manage a diverse caseload.
- Company: Join Swale Borough Council's innovative Mid Kent Legal Services team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, wellbeing support, and discounts on leisure and travel.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for career progression and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities through high-level planning law work.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with experience in planning law and case management.
The predicted salary is between 48657 - 54727 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Senior Lawyer - Planning role at Swale Borough Council. Mid Kent Legal Services (MKLS) provides legal services and advice across the Mid-Kent area (to Swale, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells 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 ranging from supporting the delivery of garden communities, to the redevelopment of large shopping centres, to letting very large contracts, to delivering affordable housing.
MKLS has a reputation as being forward thinking, progressive and innovative and is closely and strongly aligned with its partner authorities. It provides a supportive and nurturing environment, providing opportunities for staff to progress internally and uses technology to maximise the effective use of lawyers' time.
We are now looking for a Senior Lawyer (Planning) to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 34 hours per week. This is a hybrid role working across all three authorities with the opportunity for some home working.
The Role
As a Senior Lawyer (Planning), you will provide high-quality professional legal services and manage a caseload of complex planning matters. Ensuring we operate at the forefront of legal excellence and align with Lexcel standards, you will provide high-level legal advice and service to elected Members, committees, senior managers and staff across all three local authorities. Confirming that planning decisions and processes comply with legal standards, you will provide expert legal advice on planning matters, draft and review critical documents and provide support at planning appeals and inquiries. You will also stay informed of legal developments in planning law and contribute to policy development, ensuring that local policies remain compliant and strategically sound.
Additionally, you will:
- Stay updated on changes and developments in Planning law
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective planning processes.
- Supervise junior fee earners and administrative staff in the Planning team
- Deliver training and Member briefings to enhance understanding of planning law and procedures
The Benefits
- Salary of £48,657 - £54,727 per annum + £7,000 market supplement
- Generous annual leave plus time off between Christmas and New Year (and the option to purchase extra leave)
- Wellbeing support including confidential advice, counselling and flu vaccines
- Discounts on leisure, retail, and fuel and salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to Work and car leasing
- Free parking across all 3 partner Authority sites
- Season ticket loans for rail/bus travel
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 with legal document drafting
- Experience of Planning Appeals and court proceedings
- Familiarity with statutory instruments, regulations, and guidance relating to local government planning and development law
- Experience in advising at Committees
- Experience operating in politically sensitive environments
- Knowledge and understanding of the political nature of local government and democratic process
- A full, valid UK driving licence
Senior Lawyer - Planning employer: Swale Borough Council
Swale Borough Council offers an exceptional work environment for the Senior Lawyer - Planning role, characterised by a supportive and progressive culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on innovative legal services across multiple councils, employees benefit from a diverse range of impactful projects, generous annual leave, wellbeing support, and flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options. This role not only provides competitive remuneration but also the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to local governance and community development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer - Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in planning. Attend local government events or legal seminars to meet potential colleagues and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on recent changes in planning law. Show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about staying ahead in the field. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job. We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are keen on joining us at Swale Borough Council. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer - Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Lawyer - Planning role. Highlight your relevant experience in planning law and any supervisory roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Legal Expertise:In your application, don’t shy away from detailing your experience with complex planning matters and legal document drafting. We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge of planning law and their ability to provide high-quality legal advice.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our forward-thinking team at MKLS!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swale Borough Council
✨Know Your Planning Law
Brush up on the latest developments in planning law before your interview. Being able to discuss recent changes or landmark cases will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience with complex planning matters. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Research Swale Borough Council and its current projects. Be ready to discuss how your role as a Senior Lawyer can contribute to their goals, especially in areas like affordable housing and regeneration.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would collaborate with various stakeholders in your role. Prepare to discuss your approach to working with elected Members and committees, as well as how you would handle politically sensitive situations.
