About Us:
Based in the heart of Warwickshire, the beautiful district of Stratford-on-Avon is, without doubt, one of the most scenic and historical regions in the UK. Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s headquarters are located in the heart of William Shakespeare’s hometown. In the District, you will find thriving market towns, home to over 135,000 residents and a tourist destination for millions of visitors each year, from across the globe. We are proud to provide public services to residents, businesses and visitors across this magnificent region, making it a great place to live, work and visit.
At the Council, our people are our superpower and by choosing to bring your talents to our organisation, you will be joining a great team where everyone feels that they truly belong, full of dedicated people all working with passion and purpose, across a dynamic portfolio of work providing high-quality services.
Benefits:
As part of our team, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Flexibility:
* A minimum of 25 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays.
* Hybrid working arrangements with the flexibility to work from home for up to 60% of your hours (dependent upon the role).
* Flexi-time scheme for a better work-life balance.
Lifestyle:
* Health Cash Plan Scheme for medical and dental expenses.
* Eye test voucher scheme.
* Everyone Active Gym Membership discount.
Professional Development:
* Training and Development opportunities.
* Payment of one professional subscription fee.
Financial Planning:
* Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme to secure your future.
* Access to free Will writing services.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Salary Sacrifice schemes e.g. Cycle to Work etc.
* Free town centre parking.
What to Expect in the Role:
You will be part of a small team of regulatory lawyers within the Legal Service providing comprehensive, practical and solution-focused legal advice and support on planning compliance and enforcement to both Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick District Councils.
You will be required to conduct advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court and advise at Planning Committees, as well as give advice on planning law, planning agreements and injunction applications.
You will have your own caseload of matters and will be expected to work without daily supervision, although support and mentoring will be provided where needed.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:
* To assist the Head of Service, Legal Services Manager and Team Leader in advising and assisting Members and Officers on legal matters in order to ensure that the Councils act in accordance with the law.
* To personally provide, or facilitate the provision of, comprehensive, practical and solution-focused legal advice for officers and councillors of the Councils, including the Management Team and Cabinets.
* To attend meetings, including Council meetings, Cabinet and Executive meetings, committees, tribunals and working groups, to provide such legal advice and support to those meetings as may be required or necessary.
* To manage and deliver effectively a personal caseload of legal matters including those of a complex and/or sensitive nature.
* To contribute to the provision of an effective, efficient, value for money legal service including the provision of legal advice and support for external clients.
What You’ll Need:
* Post qualification experience as a legal adviser in the following areas of legal practice: Planning law and Planning agreements, Planning compliance and enforcement, including advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court and Injunction applications and advising at Planning Committees.
* Thorough knowledge of the law relating to planning agreements, enforcement and compliance and local authority decision-making.
* A willingness to conduct advocacy in person in courts, tribunals or council meetings.
* Effective communication skills, both in writing and verbally.
* Ability to analyse, interpret and summarise complex legislation and technical information.
* Ability to understand the client’s motivations and goals and provide legal advice in a practical, solution-focused way.
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Nigel Bell, Interim Planning and Regulatory Team Leader on 01789 260978 or Nigel.Bell@stratford-dc.gov.uk or Sue Mullins, Legal Services Manager on 01789 260975 or sue.mullins@stratford-dc.gov.uk.
Applications will close at midnight on Sunday 04/05/2025.
Interviews will be held week beginning 12/05/2025.
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