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Sector : London Borough Council
Location London
Working Arrangement: Hybrid
Rate: £50.00 per hour
Type: Temporary assignment
Duration: 3 – 6 months
Interviews: ASAP with a start as soon as possible thereafter

A London Borough client is seeking an experienced Planning Lawyer to join their team on a locum basis. This initial rolling 3-month contract involves managing a complex caseload of planning and highways matters, including high-value projects.

As a Planning Lawyer, you'll play a key role in delivering efficient and cost-effective legal services, focusing on customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, service excellence, and employee development. You will provide professional and technical guidance in Planning, Highways, and Licensing law to colleagues, managers, and partner agencies, supporting the council's objectives and priorities. Leading by example, you'll model and embed the council’s values and behaviours, working collaboratively with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to build a highly effective organisation and enhance the council’s reputation.

Your responsibilities will include delivering timely legal advice to the Council and its departments on planning and highways matters, drafting standard planning agreements, undertakings, and highways agreements, and managing routine legal cases involving planning, highways, and licensing matters. Under supervision, you will handle proceedings, public inquiries, appeals, and judicial reviews before various courts and tribunals. Additionally, you will prepare clear reports for the Planning committee and other committees, gain experience in Licensing law, and deputise for Senior Lawyers when needed.

Supporting Senior Lawyers, you will assist with drafting and preparing legal documentation for proceedings in Planning, Highways, or Licensing. You will advise the Borough Solicitor on legal risks related to team matters and, under supervision, instruct Counsel and/or external solicitors as per the Service’s protocol. Handling Assets of Community Value proceedings, maintaining proper records for all work undertaken, meeting annual chargeable hours targets, and helping identify training needs for the team are also part of your role.

To be successful, you should be a Qualified Solicitor or Fellow of CILEX, entitled to practice in England and Wales. You must be able to organise and prioritise your workload and work independently. A broad knowledge of Local Government law, planning, and highways legislation is essential, along with a willingness to develop knowledge and experience in licensing law. Effective communication skills, the ability to draft and communicate legal advice concisely and in plain English, and the ability to work constructively with elected Members while being politically aware and sensitive are crucial. Knowledge of civil procedures, such as public inquiries and judicial reviews, is also required.

If you are ready to take on this challenging and rewarding role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered for this exciting opportunity