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- Tasks: Manage diverse legal cases and provide expert advice on planning, property, and contracts.
- Company: Vale of Glamorgan Council, committed to thriving communities and sustainable development.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, excellent pension, and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community decisions and shape vibrant places.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with relevant legal experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values openness, growth, and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 50000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Senior Lawyer – Planning, Property & Contracts Team role at Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Why this role matters
The Vale of Glamorgan is a place with a strong sense of identity, ambition and purpose. Our Vale 2030 plan is more than a strategy, it’s a commitment to creating thriving communities, sustainable places, accessible transport networks and resilient environments.
About Us
As Wales’ most southerly coastal county, with vibrant towns, rural landscapes, major growth zones and significant regeneration underway, the Vale offers some of the most varied, high‑profile and impactful legal work in the sector. Legal Services is fully embedded in this journey. We are trusted partners to services across the Council, providing clarity, confidence and rigour on issues such as planning, highways, Compulsory Purchase Orders, regeneration, judicial review, rights of way, infrastructure schemes and strategic land use. Our work underpins good governance, strengthens democratic decision‑making and protects the public interest. We are a friendly, supportive and collaborative team who value openness, integrity and curiosity. We work in line with our values, Open, Together, Proud and Ambitious, and welcome colleagues who want to use their legal expertise to create real public value.
About the Role
- Pay Details: £47,181 - £50,269 Pro Rata, £24.46 - £26.06 Per Hour
- Hours of Work: 37 Hours per week
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Main Place of Work: Civic Offices: Barry and Hybrid Working, (to agree days on site)
We are recruiting a Senior Lawyer to support the delivery of legal services across Highways, Planning, Property, Contracts, Commons & Village Greens, Public Rights of Way, and associated regulatory and governance matters. You will:
- Manage a varied caseload including planning enforcement, highways orders, property transactions, rights of way, judicial review and compulsory purchase work.
- Provide confident, timely and solution‑focused legal advice to officers, senior leaders and Members.
- Represent the Council in tribunals, public inquiries, planning hearings, CPO inquiries and court proceedings.
- Support committees and democratic processes, ensuring decisions are legally robust and transparent.
- Draft, negotiate and review legal documents, statutory notices and agreements (e.g. s106, highways agreements, land transactions).
What we offer
- You’ll join a supportive, friendly and collaborative team where people share knowledge openly and celebrate collective success.
- We offer a working culture that respects work–life balance, underpinned by flexible and family‑friendly policies so you can thrive professionally and personally.
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Excellent pension and wellbeing support
- Generous annual leave of 28 days
- Family‑friendly policies
- Commitment to ongoing training and professional development
- Opportunities to work on high‑profile and community‑impacting projects
- A culture that values openness, growth and mutual support
About You
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, problem‑solving and being close to the decisions that shape places and communities. If you want your legal expertise to influence outcomes, not just process transactions, this could be your next step. You’ll bring:
- Professional qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX.
- Experience in at least one area of: planning, highways, property, contracts, or a related public law field.
- Ability to manage complex or sensitive matters with confidence and independence.
- Strong drafting, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Experience providing clear, pragmatic advice to officers, senior leaders or Members.
- Excellent communication skills, including translating complex legal concepts for non‑lawyers.
- A collaborative, supportive and values‑led approach.
If you are unsure whether you meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We value potential, learning mindset and alignment with our values just as much as technical expertise.
How to apply
You can apply for this post through the Council webpage ‘Job Vacancies’. If you are interested in an informal conversation, please contact Justine Cass – Operational Manager, Legal Services, Email: JCass@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.
Senior Lawyer - Planning, Property & Contracts Team in Barry employer: Vale of Glamorgan Council
Contact Detail:
Vale of Glamorgan Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer - Planning, Property & Contracts Team in Barry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in planning, property, or contracts. 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 governance and recent legal changes in Wales. Show that you’re not just a legal whiz but also genuinely interested in the Vale of Glamorgan's community and its future.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of the Vale of Glamorgan Council team. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer - Planning, Property & Contracts Team in Barry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific requirements of the Senior Lawyer role. We want to see how your skills in planning, property, and contracts can contribute to our mission at Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your written application, emphasise your ability to tackle complex legal issues. We’re looking for someone who can provide clear, pragmatic advice, so share examples that demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving prowess.
Communicate Clearly: Remember, we value excellent communication skills! Use straightforward language to explain your legal expertise and how it can benefit our team. Avoid jargon where possible, especially when discussing complex legal concepts.
Be Authentic: Don’t hesitate to let your personality shine through in your application. We appreciate openness and integrity, so be genuine about your motivations for applying and how you align with our values. Apply through our website and show us the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vale of Glamorgan Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key areas of law relevant to the role, like planning, property, and contracts. Be ready to discuss recent cases or legislation that could impact the Vale of Glamorgan Council's work.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex legal issues in the past. The interviewers will want to see your analytical skills in action, so think of specific situations where you provided clear, pragmatic advice.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex legal concepts in simple terms. This is crucial, especially since you'll be advising non-lawyers. Use examples from your experience to demonstrate how you can bridge that gap effectively.
✨Embrace Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the Council's values: Open, Together, Proud, and Ambitious. Think about how your own values align with theirs and be prepared to discuss this during the interview to show you're a great cultural fit.
