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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 transforming public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, enhanced leave, and various perks and discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic, supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping community services 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 40000 - 50000 £ 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 London 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 London
✨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. 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 & Furness Council. Show them you’re not just a lawyer, but a strategic thinker who can contribute to their ambitious goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep your name fresh in their minds and show that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Lead Lawyer role! We want to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it’s a straightforward process that ensures your details go directly to the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Lawyer - Planning & Highways in London
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 leadership abilities. We’re looking for someone who can mentor and supervise colleagues, so share examples of how you’ve successfully led teams or projects in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your passion for delivering excellent legal services shines through.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us directly and allows you to keep track of your progress. 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. Think through potential planning and highways issues that could arise and how you would handle them. This will showcase your practical experience and ability to think on your feet.
✨Engage with the Council's Vision
Research Westmorland and Furness Council’s goals and values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their commitment to improving public services and putting communities first. Showing that you share their vision will make you a more attractive candidate.