About us
Why this role matters:
The Vale of Glamorgan is a place with a strong sense of identity, ambition and purpose. Our Vale 2030 plan is more than a strategy, it’s a commitment to creating thriving communities, sustainable places, accessible transport networks and resilient environments.
As Wales’ most southerly coastal county, with vibrant towns, rural landscapes, major growth zones and significant regeneration underway, the Vale offers some of the most varied, high-profile and impactful legal work in the sector. The decisions we support today will shape how our communities grow, how people move, how land is used and how spaces are protected for generations.
Legal Services is fully embedded in this journey. We are trusted partners to services across the Council, providing clarity, confidence and rigour on issues such as planning, highways, Compulsory Purchase Orders, regeneration, judicial review, rights of way, infrastructure schemes and strategic land use. Our work underpins good governance, strengthens democratic decision-making and protects the public interest.
We are a friendly, supportive and collaborative team who value openness, integrity and curiosity. We work in line with our values, Open, Together, Proud and Ambitious, and welcome colleagues who want to use their legal expertise to create real public value.
Ambitious - Forward thinking, embracing new ways of working and investing in our future.
Open - Open to different ideas and being accountable for the decisions we take.
Together - Working together as a team that engages with our customers and partners, respects diversity and is committed to quality services.
Proud - Proud of the Vale of Glamorgan; proud to serve our communities and to be part of the Vale of Glamorgan Council.
About the role
Pay Details: £47,181 - £50,269 Pro Rata, £24.46 - £26.06 Per Hour
Hours of Work / Working Pattern: 37 Hours per week
Main Place of Work Civic Offices: Barry and Hybrid Working, (to agree days on site)
Contract Type Permanent
The role at a glance
We are recruiting a Senior Lawyer to support the delivery of legal services across Highways, Planning, Property, Contracts, Commons & Village Greens, Public Rights of Way, and associated regulatory and governance matters. You will:
· Manage a varied caseload including planning enforcement, highways orders, property transactions, rights of way, judicial review and compulsory purchase work.
· Provide confident, timely and solution-focused legal advice to officers, senior leaders and Members.
· Represent the Council in tribunals, public inquiries, planning hearings, CPO inquiries and court proceedings.
· Support committees and democratic processes, ensuring decisions are legally robust and transparent.
· Draft, negotiate and review legal documents, statutory notices and agreements (e.g. s106, highways agreements, land transactions).
What we offer:
· You’ll join a supportive, friendly and collaborative team where people share knowledge openly and celebrate collective success.
· We offer a working culture that respects work–life balance, underpinned by flexible and family-friendly policies so you can thrive professionally and personally.
· You will also benefit from:
· Hybrid and flexible working
· Excellent pension and wellbeing support
· Generous annual leave of 28 days
· Family ‑friendly policies
· Commitment to ongoing training and professional development
· Opportunities to work on high-profile and community-impacting projects
· A culture that values openness, growth and mutual support
About you
About you:
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, problem-solving and being close to the decisions that shape places and communities. If you want your legal expertise to influence outcomes, not just process transactions, this could be your next step.
You’ll bring:
· Professional qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX.
· Experience in at least one area of: planning, highways, property, contracts, or a related public law field.
· Ability to manage complex or sensitive matters with confidence and independence.
· Strong drafting, analytical and problem-solving skills.
· Experience providing clear, pragmatic advice to officers, senior leaders or Members.
· Excellent communication skills, including translating complex legal concepts for non-lawyers.
· A collaborative, supportive and values-led approach.
If you are unsure whether you meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We value potential, learning mindset and alignment with our values just as much as technical expertise.