HIGHWAYS LAWYER - 2+ years PQE - Urgent Requirement
Locum role | 6+mons | Contract | Essex | £85 per hour (Inside IR35)
A highly regarded and forward-thinking local authority is seeking an experienced Highways Lawyer (minimum 2 years’ PQE) to support a high-profile interim assignment with an immediate start. Candidates must demonstrate proven experience across highways, regeneration, and planning work.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a busy and collaborative legal team, advising on complex highways, regeneration, and planning matters that directly impact major infrastructure and development projects across the region.
Key Details
* Rate: £85 per hour
* Contract Length: Initial 6+ months (with strong potential for extension)
* Working Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days per week in office)
* Location: Essex
* Start: ASAP
Role Overview
You will play a key role in delivering high-quality legal advice across a broad portfolio of work, including:
Highways Law:
* Advising on highway agreements (including s.38 and s.278), road adoption, stopping up and diversion orders, and general highways legislation and disputes
* Planning & Development:
* Supporting planning teams with legal input on development proposals, enforcement matters, and associated agreements
* Regeneration Projects:
* Providing legal advice on regeneration initiatives, infrastructure delivery, land assembly, and partnership arrangements
* Drafting & Negotiation:
* Preparing and negotiating complex legal agreements with developers, contractors, and stakeholders
* Stakeholder Engagement:
* Working closely with internal departments and external partners to deliver commercially focused legal solutions
Candidate Profile
* Qualified Solicitor / Legal Executive / Barrister
* Strong experience in local government law, particularly highways and planning
* Proven ability to manage a varied caseload within a fast-paced environment
* Excellent drafting, negotiation, and advisory skills
* Ability to hit the ground running with minimal supervision
Why Apply?
* High-impact role working on significant infrastructure and regeneration projects
* Competitive hourly rate
* Flexible hybrid working model
* Opportunity to work within a well-established and supportive local authority team
This is a rare opportunity, suited to an experienced Highways lawyer who can integrate quickly and provide effective, pragmatic support. You should be ready to hit the ground running!
Please contact Sharzad Michaels in the Legal & Governance Team at Allen Lane for more information. For applications, please send CVs to