At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on planning matters and manage a diverse caseload.
- Company: Join Wyre Council's dynamic Legal Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community through impactful legal work.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning law and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Wyre Council is seeking an experienced Planning Solicitor to join our Legal Services team. This is an excellent opportunity to work on a wide range of high‑profile planning matters, supporting the Council's planning functions and wider corporate objectives.
About the role
You will contribute to the delivery of a comprehensive and high‑quality legal service, with a particular focus on planning law. The role involves managing a varied and complex caseload and providing pragmatic, solution‑focused legal advice to officers and members.
Key responsibilities
- Advising Planning Committee and other committees as the Council's legal advisor
- Drafting and negotiating Section 106 agreements
- Drafting enforcement notices and advising on planning enforcement matters
- Representing the Council in court and at inquiries where required
- Providing legal advice to planning and other client departments
- Drafting instructions to Counsel and attending meetings as appropriate
- Supporting the development of the Legal Services team and contributing to the Council's wider objectives
Depending on experience, you may also advise on related areas such as commercial property, contracts, procurement, licensing or litigation.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in planning law
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to build effective working relationships with officers, members and stakeholders
- A pragmatic, solutions‑focused approach and ability to work under pressure
- High levels of IT literacy, including Microsoft Office
- Experience of working within a local authority legal service and broader public sector law experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
At Wyre Council, our values are central to everything we do. You will be expected to demonstrate behaviours that reflect being professional, innovative, collaborative and customer‑focused, helping us deliver excellent services to our communities.
What’s in it for you
- Flexi time and the option to work remotely part of the week as agreed with your line manager.
- Free parking on site.
- Generous annual leave allowance. A minimum of 24 days (pro rata) in addition to all bank holidays, rising to 26 days after four years and 29 days after five years local government service.
- Future development – face to face and virtual courses in line with your developmental goals.
- Employee wellbeing support.
- A local government pension scheme, with generous employer contribution.
- The opportunity to work for the local community and make a difference.
Planning Solicitor employer: Wyre Council
Wyre Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee wellbeing. With flexible working options, generous annual leave, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the local community, this role as a Planning Solicitor provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to high-profile planning matters while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Solicitor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in planning law. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Wyre Council and its recent planning projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for local governance and how you can contribute to our objectives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your legal advice skills! Think of common planning law scenarios and how you would approach them. This will help you articulate your solutions during interviews and show us your pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Wyre Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Solicitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in planning law. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant cases or projects you've worked on.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong written and verbal communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and structure your thoughts logically to demonstrate your ability to convey complex legal concepts effectively.
Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities:We’re looking for a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach, so include examples of how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles. This will show us that you can handle the varied and complex caseload we deal with.
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 Wyre Council
✨Know Your Planning Law
Brush up on the latest developments in planning law before your interview. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact the role. This shows your commitment and expertise, which is crucial for a Planning Solicitor.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since strong communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider preparing examples of how you've effectively communicated complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders in the past.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you provided pragmatic, solution-focused legal advice. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you navigated them, as this will highlight your ability to work under pressure.
✨Understand Wyre Council's Values
Familiarise yourself with Wyre Council's values of professionalism, innovation, collaboration, and customer focus. Prepare to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their objectives, especially in delivering excellent services to the community.
