Principal Lawyer – Planning, Property & Contract
Join Vale of Glamorgan Council as a Principal Lawyer. You will lead and support the Planning, Property and Contract legal function, influencing regeneration, capital projects and strategic infrastructure development across the Vale.
The role is integral to the Vale 2030 Strategy, delivering high‑impact projects that shape future communities. You will work on a complex caseload and provide timely, confident legal advice to officers, committees and the public.
About the role
Pay: £51,356 – £54,495 (pro rata) / £26.62 – £28.25 per hour.
Hours: 37 per week. Main workplace: Civic Offices, Barry; hybrid working with agreed on‑site days. Contract type: Permanent.
Responsibilities
* Lead, mentor and support a team of lawyers and legal officers.
* Manage a complex caseload including property, planning, contract, procurement, conveyancing and regeneration matters.
* Provide confident, timely legal advice to officers, council members and the Planning Committee.
* Guide the Council through judicial reviews, planning appeals, inquiries and statutory processes.
* Support delivery of the Reshaping Programme and major capital schemes.
* Promote strong governance, excellent client care and modern legal practice.
What we offer
* Hybrid and flexible working.
* Relocation support.
* Excellent pension and well‑being support.
* Generous annual leave.
* Family‑friendly policies.
* Ongoing professional development.
Qualifications
You will bring:
* Professional qualification as a solicitor, barrister or fellow of CILEX.
* Significant experience in property, contract or planning law.
* Experience contributing to or leading project work (e.g. regeneration schemes, commercial acquisitions/disposals, strategic land use).
* Leadership, people‑management or supervisory experience, or a commitment to developing these skills.
* A basic understanding of administrative and corporate law relevant to local government, or the ability to develop this quickly.
* Strong drafting, analytical and negotiation skills.
* Ability to handle complex matters and competing priorities.
* Excellent communication skills, including translating complex legal concepts for non‑lawyers.
* A collaborative, inclusive and values‑led approach.
Depth in one specialism is valued; willingness to learn other areas is equally important.
How to apply
Apply via the Council website under 'Job Vacancies'. For informal conversations, contact Justine Cass – Operational Manager, Legal Services (Email: JCass@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk).
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