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- Tasks: Lead planning and highways legal work, advising on complex matters and supporting junior lawyers.
- Company: Join a large local authority legal service with a focus on community impact.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, generous leave, health support, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Shape infrastructure and communities while developing your leadership skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in planning law.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and mentoring in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 46300 - 52500 £ per year.
This is a senior in-house role within a large local authority legal service, offering the chance to work on a wide range of planning and highways matters that directly shape places, infrastructure and communities.
The role sits within a specialist planning and highways team and combines high-quality technical work with opportunities to develop leadership skills.
You will join a dedicated Planning and Highways legal team advising on planning, highways, rights of way and related environmental matters. The team supports ambitious regeneration, infrastructure and sustainability objectives and works closely with planning officers, highways colleagues and elected members. It's a supportive and collaborative team environment, with a strong emphasis on practical, solutions-focused advice.
You will be one of the lead lawyers in the team, providing advice on a broad mix of planning and highways work. Alongside your caseload, you will have scope to support junior lawyers and develop your management and leadership capability over time. The caseload will include:
- Section 106 and Section 278 agreements
- Complex and routine planning and highways advice
- Planning enforcement and public law matters
- Public inquiries and hearings
- Advising officers and elected members on risk, governance and decision-making
Who this role suits:
- A qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX lawyer
- An experienced planning lawyer, operating at a senior level
- Confident advising on complex planning matters and working with committees and members
- Interested in broadening your experience into highways, public rights of way and wider local government law (or already experienced in these areas)
- Someone who enjoys mentoring and supporting others, even if you have not formally managed before
Working arrangements and benefits:
- Hybrid working
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- 27.5 days annual leave, rising to 32.5 days after five years, plus bank holidays
- Generous family-friendly policies
- Health and wellbeing support services
- Travel, parking and cycle benefits
For more information, contact Nik Stoate at Venn Group nstoate@venngroup.com
Principal Planning Lawyer employer: Venn Group
Contact Detail:
Venn Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Lawyer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the planning and highways field. Attend local events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with complex planning matters and your ability to advise on public law issues. We want to see how you can bring value to their team, so share specific examples of your past successes!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Understand the local authority's current projects and challenges in planning and highways. We recommend preparing some thoughtful questions to show your genuine interest and insight into their work.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Principal Planning Lawyer role! We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out, so take advantage of them and let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning and highways law. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior role, it’s important to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you’ve mentored others or taken charge of projects in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and support their team!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Venn Group
✨Know Your Planning Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in planning and highways law. Familiarise yourself with key legislation, such as the Town and Country Planning Act, and be ready to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios. This will show your depth of knowledge and passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring junior lawyers, think about examples from your past where you've taken the lead or supported others. Prepare to discuss how you can contribute to the team’s development and foster a collaborative environment. Highlighting your leadership potential will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about specific cases or situations you might encounter in the role. Think through some complex planning issues or public inquiries you’ve dealt with before, and be ready to explain your approach and the outcomes. This practical insight will demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with the Team's Objectives
Research the local authority's regeneration and sustainability goals. Be prepared to discuss how your expertise aligns with their objectives and how you can contribute to ambitious projects. Showing that you understand and are excited about their mission will resonate well with the interviewers.
