At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on planning, environmental, and public law matters for major projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on impactful infrastructure and policy development.
- Benefits: Flexible working, long-term contract, and the chance to influence significant legal decisions.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to engage with senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in high-profile projects while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified legal professional with experience in planning law and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Planning & Environmental Lawyer to provide expert legal advice on a broad range of planning, environmental, public law, and infrastructure matters. This is a varied and high-profile role supporting major projects, policy development, legislative initiatives, and complex decision-making processes.
The successful candidate will work closely with senior stakeholders, policy teams, and decision-makers, providing pragmatic, risk-based legal advice within a fast-paced and politically sensitive environment.
Key Responsibilities- Provide high-quality legal advice on planning, environmental, and public law matters.
- Advise on planning applications, appeals, development proposals, and associated legal frameworks.
- Support major infrastructure, regeneration, transport, energy, and development projects.
- Advise on legal risk, governance, and potential challenges arising from planning and policy decisions.
- Provide guidance on judicial review risks, litigation strategy, and public law compliance.
- Support the development and implementation of planning policy and legislative reform initiatives.
- Draft, review, and advise on secondary legislation, statutory instruments, and related legal documentation.
- Work collaboratively with policy, programme, and operational teams to deliver practical legal solutions.
- Analyse complex legal issues and communicate advice clearly to both legal and non-legal stakeholders.
- Support decision-making processes by identifying legal risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies.
- Monitor developments in planning, environmental, and public law to ensure advice remains current and effective.
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or equivalent legal professional with significant post-qualification experience.
- Strong expertise in planning law gained within private practice, public sector, consultancy, or an equivalent environment.
- Experience advising on infrastructure, major development, regeneration, or large-scale planning projects.
- Knowledge of environmental law, environmental impact assessment (EIA), and associated regulatory frameworks.
- Experience advising on public law issues and judicial review matters.
- Demonstrable ability to provide pragmatic, commercially aware, and risk-based legal advice.
- Excellent analytical, drafting, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly.
- Experience managing competing priorities and delivering advice within demanding timescales.
- Experience advising on Section 106 agreements, planning obligations, and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) matters.
- Knowledge of Development Consent Orders (DCOs) and nationally significant infrastructure projects.
- Experience drafting legislation, statutory instruments, or related legal frameworks.
- Previous experience advising government departments, public bodies, regulators, or local authorities.
- Experience supporting policy development and legislative reform programmes.
- Strong legal judgement and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively in a high-profile and fast-moving environment.
- Collaborative approach with excellent stakeholder management skills.
- Confident communicator capable of influencing and advising senior decision-makers.
- Solutions-focused mindset with the ability to balance legal risk against operational and strategic objectives.
This role offers the opportunity to work on nationally significant planning, infrastructure, environmental, and policy matters. Candidates should be comfortable operating within a complex stakeholder environment and managing sensitive legal issues.
Commercial/Procurement Lawyer in London employer: westlakesrecruit
As a leading employer in the legal sector, we offer a dynamic and supportive work environment that values collaboration and innovation. Our hybrid working model promotes flexibility, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while engaging in high-profile projects that shape public policy and infrastructure. With ample opportunities for professional development and a commitment to employee growth, we empower our team to excel in their careers while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial/Procurement Lawyer in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Commercial/Procurement Lawyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at westlakesrecruit, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in westlakesrecruit and the specific role of Commercial/Procurement Lawyer. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for westlakesrecruit’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at westlakesrecruit
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at westlakesrecruit.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at westlakesrecruit.
