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- Tasks: Lead legal advice on planning and highways, mentor colleagues, and ensure high practice standards.
- Company: Join Westmorland and Furness Council, an ambitious authority shaping public services for the future.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, enhanced annual leave, and various perks and discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to excellent service.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEX Lawyer with 3+ years' experience in planning and highways law.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid Working with Agile working across Westmorland & Furness
Contract Type: Permanent
Why work for Westmorland and Furness Council
Westmorland and Furness Council will be an ambitious authority that will shape public services for the better, building on the best and transforming them for the future. We are committed to putting our customers and communities first, and to be the heart of everything we do.
About this role
Westmorland & Furness Council is seeking an experienced Lead Lawyer (Planning & Highways) to play a senior role within our Legal Team. This is an exciting opportunity to support on the Council’s planning and highways work. In this leadership role you will provide high‑quality, practical and focused legal advice on planning and highways work and corporate projects. You will also supervise and mentor colleagues, helping to develop excellence within the team and ensure high practice standards across Legal Services.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading on completion of S106 Agreements
- Advising at Planning Committees
- Preparing for hearings and inquiries
- Dealing with planning appeals
- Planning Enforcement
- Leading on completion of S278 Agreements and other Highways Agreements
- Contributing to service planning and maintaining high standards of legal practice management
About You
You will be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEX Lawyer with a current practising certificate and at least 3 years’ post‑qualification experience. You will bring strong expertise in planning and highways law and be confident advising at a senior level and supporting colleagues through supervision and mentoring. You will be a strong team player with a proven track record of delivering to deadlines, have effective communication skills and be able to use sound judgment to solve problems. You will be used to working in a busy pressurised environment and will enjoy a challenge. A commitment to delivering the best possible service for the benefit of our residents and clients, is required. You must have good IT literacy skills and an ability to use electronic publications for the purpose of legal work and research are critical.
Other duties will include dealing with a range of matters including providing advice to officers and elected members, attending Council Planning Committees and working groups as required.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes.
Lead Lawyer - Planning & Highways in England employer: Westmorland And Furness Council
Contact Detail:
Westmorland And Furness Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Lawyer - Planning & Highways in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in planning and highways law. Attend relevant events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and employers – you never know who might be looking for someone just like you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of S106 and S278 Agreements. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role at Westmorland and Furness Council. Show them you’re not just a lawyer, but a problem-solver who can deliver practical solutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence! Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your expertise in planning and highways law. Engage with relevant content and connect with professionals in the field to increase your visibility and credibility.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Westmorland and Furness Council team. Let’s make your next career move a great one!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Lawyer - Planning & Highways in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in planning and highways law. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Lead Lawyer role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor others. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues or improved team performance in your previous roles. We love seeing strong team players!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official 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 Westmorland And Furness Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning and highways law. Familiarise yourself with recent cases, S106 and S278 Agreements, and any relevant legislation. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Lawyer, you'll be expected to mentor and supervise colleagues. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Think about challenges you've faced and how you helped others overcome them – this will demonstrate your capability in a leadership role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and judgement. Practice articulating your thought process when dealing with planning appeals or enforcement issues. This will help you convey your expertise and decision-making abilities during the interview.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the council's approach to planning and highways work. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the council's values align with yours.