1 year contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: • The London Borough of Hackney is seeking an experienced Planning Lawyer to join its Legal & Governance Services within the Chief Executive’s Directorate. • The role involves managing a varied caseload of routine and complex legal matters with minimal supervision, providing high-quality legal advice to council services, and representing the Council in courts, tribunals, and external forums. • The successful candidate will support the Council’s strategic objectives while working collaboratively within an ambitious and modern legal team. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Manage a caseload of routine and non-routine legal matters with minimal supervision. • Provide clear, consistent, and accurate legal advice to Council services. • Undertake advocacy on behalf of the Council in courts and tribunals. • Draft complex legal documents, reports, and formal correspondence. • Research, analyse, and interpret legislation, case law, and policy. • Advise Members, senior officers, and stakeholders on legal, governance, and procedural matters. • Deliver legal briefings, seminars, and training sessions as required. • Maintain case files in line with Lexcel, Law Society, and internal practice management standards. • Use the case management system effectively and achieve chargeable hours targets. • Supervise junior staff when required. • Attend and represent the Council at committees, external meetings, and working groups (including evenings when necessary). • Contribute to service improvement, corporate objectives, and a customer-focused legal service. Skills/Experience: • Qualified Solicitor, Barrister (England & Wales), or Fellow of CILEX. • Proven experience managing complex and high-volume legal caseloads. • Strong background in Planning Law and local government legal services. • Experience providing legal advice within a public sector or local authority environment. • Advocacy experience in courts and tribunals. • Excellent legal drafting, research, and analytical skills. • Experience using legal case management systems. • Ability to meet chargeable hours and performance targets. • Strong understanding of local government governance and procedures. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a legal team. Additional Information: • The closing date: 13/02/2026. • Location: London Borough of Hackney. • Rate: £45–£55 per hour (Umbrella). • Qualified Solicitor, Barrister (England & Wales), or Fellow of CILEX.