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- Tasks: Lead a dedicated legal team in planning and environment law while managing your own caseload.
- Company: Established Local Authority with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Perfect for experienced lawyers wanting to lead and influence within a local authority.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with 5+ years’ PQE in planning law.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced regulatory environment.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
An established Local Authority is seeking an experienced Planning Lawyer / Team Leader to join its Legal Services Division on a locum basis for an initial 6–9 month assignment starting March 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to lead a small, friendly and dedicated Planning & Environment team supporting a wide-ranging regulatory and licensing function within a busy Council environment.
The Role
- Contract Length: 6–9 Month Contract | Commencing March 2026
- Working Pattern: Full-Time (5 Days per Week Preferred)
- Working Arrangement: Hybrid preferred, with one day a week in office
- Rate: Up to £65 per hour (Flexibility for right candidate)
You will manage and supervise a specialist legal team advising across a broad regulatory remit, including:
- Planning
- Highways
- Licensing (including under the Licensing Act 2003)
- Taxi licensing
- Pollution control
- Food safety
- Health & Safety
- Trading Standards
- Safer Housing
The team advises key Council Committees, including Planning, Licensing & Regulatory and Appeals Committees. Alongside team leadership responsibilities, you will maintain your own caseload primarily focused on Town and Country Planning law. Experience in Highways law would be advantageous but is not essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing, supervising and supporting solicitors, legal executives, trainees and support staff
- Overseeing team performance and ensuring service delivery meets Council requirements
- Complex drafting work, particularly Section 106 Agreements
- Drafting and analysing Certificates of Lawful Use
- Advising on planning policy and strategic matters
- Attending and advising at Planning Committee
- Handling Planning Enforcement matters
- Providing clear, pragmatic legal advice to:
- Councillors
- Senior and departmental officers
- Colleagues within Legal Services
Ideal Candidate
- Be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with 5+ years’ PQE
- Have strong planning law experience within a local authority setting
- Demonstrate proven team leadership or supervisory experience
- Be confident advising committees and senior stakeholders
- Work independently with minimal supervision
- Deliver concise, clear written and oral advice
- Be comfortable using Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom and case management systems
- Adhere to time recording practices
A collaborative approach and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced regulatory environment are essential. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Planning Lawyer seeking a leadership-focused interim role within a supportive and well-established local authority legal team.
For a confidential discussion and further details, please contact Philippa Stoate or Ebby Vallance on 07441 916438 or email localgovlegal@venngroup.com
Venn Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all candidates.
Locum Legal Services Team Leader - Planning & Environment employer: Venn Group - Birmingham
Contact Detail:
Venn Group - Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Locum Legal Services Team Leader - Planning & Environment
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in local authorities. 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 planning law and local authority regulations. We recommend practising common interview questions with a mate to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your experience managing teams and how you’ve supported colleagues in previous roles. This is key for the Team Leader position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Locum Legal Services Team Leader - Planning & Environment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning law and team leadership. We want to see how your skills match the specific requirements of the Locum Legal Services Team Leader role.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; give us examples of your past work, especially in a local authority setting. We love seeing how you've handled complex legal matters and led teams effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clear communication, so make sure your written advice is easy to understand and free from jargon.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Venn Group - Birmingham
✨Know Your Planning Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning law, especially as it relates to local authorities. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact the role. This will show your expertise and readiness to lead the team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or managed projects. Be ready to discuss how you motivate your team, handle conflicts, and ensure high performance. This is crucial for demonstrating your fit for the Team Leader position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as advising a committee or managing a complex case. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills clearly, as this will highlight your ability to provide pragmatic legal advice.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Council's Work
Research the local authority’s recent projects, challenges, and priorities. Being able to reference their work during the interview will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect your experience to their needs.