Junior planning solicitor

3 - 6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To provide legal support and advice on planning and highways matters, assisting in the delivery of the Council's legal services. The postholder will manage a varied caseload, draft legal agreements and documentation, and provide practical legal advice to officers and stakeholders while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and Council policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate, and complete Section 106 Agreements in support of planning applications and development proposals.
  
• Analyse applications for and prepare Certificates of Lawful Use and Development.
  
• Assist with the preparation and completion of Highways Agreements under Sections 38 and 278 of the Highways Act.
  
• Provide legal advice on planning and highways matters to officers, managers, and other stakeholders.
  
• Support the progression of planning-related legal matters, ensuring work is completed accurately and within required timescales.
  
• Draft legal correspondence, reports, agreements, and other documentation to a high professional standard.
  
• Undertake legal research and provide clear, concise advice on relevant legislation, policy, and case law.
  
• Maintain accurate case records and utilise the Council's case management systems in accordance with departmental procedures.
  
• Attend meetings and discussions with internal and external stakeholders as required.
  
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Legal Services, Planning, and Highways teams to support service delivery.
  
• Ensure compliance with professional standards, legal obligations, and Council procedures.
  

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate where applicable.
  
• Planning law experience, with post-qualification experience preferred (5+ years PQE desirable, although lower PQE candidates will be considered).
  
• Experience drafting and negotiating Section 106 Agreements.
  
• Experience analysing applications for and drafting Certificates of Lawful Use and Development.
  
• Experience preparing or supporting the preparation of Highways Agreements under Sections 38 and 278 of the Highways Act, or willingness to develop expertise in this area.
  
• Ability to provide practical legal advice on planning and highways matters.
  
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess legal issues and make sound decisions with minimal supervision.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines.
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom, and legal case management systems.
  
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
  
• Experience handling complex drafting and negotiation work.
  
• Ability to advise on planning policy and strategic planning matters.
  
• Experience attending and advising at Planning Committee meetings.
  
• Knowledge of Planning Enforcement legislation and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of wider local government law, including licensing, regulatory law, constitutional law, administrative law, or criminal litigation.
  
• Previous local authority legal experience.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Flexible/Remote Working
  
• Hours: 1 day per week (flexible)
  
• Contract Length: 3–6 months
  
• Payment: Bi-weekly payments
  
• Pay Rate is To Be Confirmed