At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage planning cases, provide legal advice, and support sustainable community development.
- Company: Local government council focused on delivering high-quality legal services.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and impactful work.
- Other info: Join a proactive team dedicated to continuous improvement and customer-focused service.
- Why this job: Shape communities and influence local development while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Qualified legal professional with experience in planning law and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking a skilled and motivated legal professional with experience in Planning and Regulatory law, playing a key role in delivering a high quality, proactive and customer focused legal service to the Council.
Reporting to the Principal Solicitor, you will support the delivery of a comprehensive legal service across planning matters, contributing to the Council’s strategic priorities and ensuring that decisions are underpinned by a robust legal framework. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of local government, supporting sustainable development and shaping the communities we serve.
About the Role
- Managing a varied caseload of planning and regulatory matters, including planning applications, enforcement, appeals, inquiries and related litigation.
- Providing clear, pragmatic and solution-focused legal advice on complex planning issues, including development management, policy and interpretation of legislation.
- Drafting and advising on planning agreements, including section 106 agreements, unilateral undertakings and related infrastructure arrangements.
- Preparing and conducting cases, including advocacy where appropriate, in courts, tribunals and public inquiries or instruct Counsel as required.
- Supporting the development of planning policy, including local plans and neighbourhood plans, ensuring legal compliance and best practice.
- Attending committees, sub-committees and working groups, providing timely and accurate legal advice to Members and senior officers.
- Contributing to the drafting of bespoke legal documentation and the development of new processes and working practices in evolving areas of law.
- Building strong working relationships with internal teams, external partners and stakeholders to deliver coordinated and effective outcomes.
- Supporting continuous improvement within the legal service, contributing to a proactive, efficient and high-performing team.
You will play a key role in supporting the Council’s corporate objectives, helping to manage risk, uphold governance standards and ensure lawful and effective delivery of planning services.
What You Will Bring
- Qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with experience in planning law and local government work.
- Strong technical knowledge of planning legislation, practice and procedure, including enforcement and planning obligations.
- Experience of drafting legal agreements and handling planning-related proceedings, including advocacy or case preparation.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to deadlines within a complex environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to advise senior officers, Members and external stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide creative and legally sound solutions.
- A proactive, solution-focused approach with sound judgement and attention to detail.
- The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative and supportive team.
You will be driven to deliver excellent outcomes, contribute to continuous improvement and support a culture that is customer-focused, professional and responsive.
Interview Dates: Thursday 13th and Friday 14th August
Interim Planning Solicitor - 12 month FTC TBC in Ormskirk employer: West Lancashire Borough Council
Join our dynamic team at the heart of local government in Ormskirk, where we prioritise a collaborative and supportive work culture. As an Interim Planning Solicitor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on community development while benefiting from professional growth opportunities and a commitment to continuous improvement. We offer a customer-focused environment that values your expertise and encourages innovative solutions to complex legal challenges.
Contact Details:
West Lancashire Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Planning Solicitor - 12 month FTC TBC in Ormskirk
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We think you need these skills to ace Interim Planning Solicitor - 12 month FTC TBC in Ormskirk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
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Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with West Lancashire Borough Council and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Lancashire Borough Council
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Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Interim Planning Solicitor - 12 month FTC TBC role at West Lancashire Borough Council. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
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You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
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