Salary
The starting salary for this role is £48,698 per annum, depending on experience, for a 36‑hour working week. This role is part of the Lawyers Career Scheme, offering the opportunity to progress to £60,898 per annum.
Working Arrangements
The Council adopts a hybrid working policy with flexible arrangements, including access to offices in Reigate and Weybridge combined with remote or home working. Employees are expected to attend the office for roughly two days per week (about 40 % of the working week). The team is approachable and provides regular catch‑ups when working remotely.
Benefits
* 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after two years and 31 days after five years (prorated for part‑time staff)
* Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
* Generous local government salary‑related pension
* Up to five days of carer's leave and two paid volunteering days per year
* Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
* Learning and development hub with a wealth of resources
* Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts, including gym, travel and shopping
* Opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of residents
About the Team
The team sits alongside other teams in the County's Legal Services, supporting the work of the County as Highway Authority and Minerals and Waste Planning Authority. Lawyers draft highways and planning agreements, provide advice on planning and highways enforcement, DCO work, appeals and related litigation, and assist with reports to Committee and Cabinet. The support of officers on enforcement directly benefits residents, ensuring that obstruction, encroachment and planning breaches are addressed effectively.
About the Role
As a Lawyer within the Highways and Planning legal team, you will conduct highways and planning agreements and work to tight deadlines, advise on general highways and planning issues, local government matters, and undertake any related appeals or litigation. You will be supported through the Lawyers Career Scheme, with accelerated career and salary progression, training, regular supervision and development plans.
Responsibilities
* Draft and negotiate highways and planning agreements
* Provide clear, accurate and practical advice on highways and planning matters
* Advise on local government, planning and highways enforcement matters
* Represent the Council in appeals, litigation and other legal proceedings
* Support officers on enforcement and ensure effective resolution of breaches
* Participate in training and development activities
Qualifications and Experience
* Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX, eligible to practise in England and Wales with a current practising certificate
* Minimum of two years of recent legal experience in highways and planning law
* Experience working with clients at all levels and ability to give clear, accurate and practical advice
* Strong team‑working and negotiation skills
* Capacity to manage competing priorities and meet client deadlines
* Ability to take on urgent and unfamiliar matters at short notice
Political Restrictions
This post is designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
Application Closing Date
The advert closes at 23:59 on 28 June 2026, with interviews expected during the week commencing 6 July 2026.
Application Process
To be considered for shortlisting, submit a clear application that demonstrates the skills listed above and alignment with the Council’s behaviours. Where you have transferable skills or are unsure of eligibility, please contact the recruitment team for guidance.
EEO Statement
We are a disability confident employer, guaranteeing an interview to applicants who disclose a disability and meet the minimum criteria. We support applicants with adjustments and welcome inclusive candidates.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is undergoing reorganisation, moving from a two‑tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. Employees employed on 1 April 2027 will transfer to one of the new organisations under the same terms and conditions.
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