Location: Aylesbury
Overview
We have two openings in our Planning and Highways Legal Team for both a Lawyer and Senior Lawyer to join us.
Are you committed to making a difference? Do you want the work you do to have a real impact for the local community? Are you looking for an opportunity to develop your career to undertake varied and complex case work?
We offer a vibrant, stimulating legal environment and a culture of knowledge sharing and learning, to inspire and develop our lawyers to lead in their field. We are looking for lawyers with a strong professional work ethic and a commitment to excellent service, leading to a dynamic and rewarding future.
The salaries advertised for these roles are dependent on experience. We have full-time posts available, however, we would consider applications for part-time working. Please note if you are working part-time the salary would be pro-rata.
About us
Legal Services is at the heart of the Council and provides a fast paced and rewarding career in a supportive environment. Career development is something we are very passionate about; we are committed to building an exceptional in-house legal service.
This is an exciting time to join us, as we continue to grow and develop our service.
Please click here to find out further information on our Legal Services:
If that’s not enough reason to join us, you will be entitled to a range of benefits from Buckinghamshire Council including a very competitive employer pension contribution, generous annual leave allowance and discounts in a range of services and restaurants.
About the role
You'll be part of a collaborative team of experienced lawyers that values personal development. It's a place where you will be supported as well as encouraged to use your initiative, take responsibility early, and work directly with in-house client officers.
We are seeking legal professionals who enjoy working collaboratively to offer proactive, innovative and client-focused advice. Legal Services is at the heart of the organisation and provides a fast paced and extremely rewarding career in a supportive environment.
We are recruiting for two positions, a Senior Lawyer and a Lawyer. Please state on your application which post you wish to be considered for:
Senior Lawyer - Salary grade 9
You will undertake a complex and varied caseload to deliver on the Councils regulatory function in planning; including enforcement, public inquiries, judicial reviews and statutory appeals, delivering high value, bespoke advice, drafting and negotiating complex S106 agreements, attending planning committees, local plan/NDP and contributing as an active team member and supporting and engaging in the development of junior members of the team. Highways experience would be advantageous including advising on and knowledge of statutory highway provisions, and drafting highway agreements.
Lawyer - Salary grade 8
In this role you will be an active engaged member of the team and provide support for the regulatory function of the council in planning; including legal advice, enforcement, attendance at inquiries, bespoke research and drafting and negotiating and drafting S106 agreements. Planning committee experience would be advantageous although training will be provided with a view to regular attendance at planning committees. Highways experience would be an advantage including drafting highway agreements.
Working Style:
Legal Services works in a hybrid manner with a mixture of office based and home working. We recognise the importance of team collaboration and as an ‘any desk’ working you will be expected to attend the office 40% of the time or in line with business needs and team requirements. You will have full remote access to enable you to work from home the remainder of the time. There will also be times when you’ll need to attend face to face meetings or court hearings in Buckinghamshire and further afield.
During any probationary/learning period you may be required to attend the office more frequently for training. A rota is in place for attendance at evening committee meetings.
About you
We welcome applications from Solicitors, Barristers and Legal Executives with relevant experience advising officers and members in planning law, built from a career in either the public or private sector.
Naturally, you will be professional, highly motivated and proactive, with a developed knowledge in Planning. You will bring experience, knowledge and excellent drafting skills to the role, as well as the ability to provide sound legal advice. A broad range of experience of planning functions is required. Experience working with elected members, advising committee and knowledge of highway functions will be an advantage. You will be collaborative and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and will actively participate and support the team.