Highways and Planning Lawyer

Civic Recruitment Limited; Reigate; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Part time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced solicitor to provide expert legal advice on Highways and Planning matters for a local authority. The role focuses on managing a complex caseload, advocacy where required, and supporting the Monitoring Officer to ensure lawful, effective services.

You will supervise junior lawyers, draft and negotiate documents, contribute to service improvements, and deliver training. Flexible working with office attendance is offered in Surrey.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practise in England and Wales with a current practising certificate.
• Experience managing Highways and/or Planning law matters within local government or a similar environment.
• Experience of, or aptitude for, advocacy.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, legal procedures, and local government practice.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior legal professionals.
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload while delivering high-quality legal advice and representation.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied and complex caseload of Highways and Planning legal matters with minimal supervision.
• Provide specialist legal advice to the Council, elected members, officers, and committees.
• Undertake and/or manage advocacy in courts, tribunals, inquiries, and hearings as required.
• Draft, review, and negotiate legal documents, agreements, and correspondence.
• Support the Monitoring Officer by advising on matters of legality and procedural compliance.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide guidance to junior members of the legal team.
• Contribute to reducing reliance on external legal providers through effective case management and in-house expertise.
• Assist in the leadership and management of the legal team, supporting service improvements and strategic objectives.
• Deliver training and legal updates to Council staff on relevant legislation and emerging legal issues.

Skills

Advocacy experience

Legal drafting

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical skills

Tools

Electronic case management systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Reigate, United Kingdom | Posted on 15/07/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That's why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

4 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide expert legal advice, representation, and strategic support on Highways and Planning matters, ensuring the Council discharges its statutory functions lawfully and effectively. The role involves managing a complex caseload, undertaking advocacy where required, supporting the Monitoring Officer, supervising junior lawyers, and contributing to the continuous development and delivery of a high-quality legal service.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied and complex caseload of Highways and Planning legal matters with minimal supervision.
• Provide specialist legal advice to the Council, elected members, officers, and committees.
• Undertake and/or manage advocacy in courts, tribunals, inquiries, and hearings as required.
• Draft, review, and negotiate legal documents, agreements, and correspondence.
• Support the Monitoring Officer by advising on matters of legality and procedural compliance.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide guidance to junior members of the legal team.
• Contribute to reducing reliance on external legal providers through effective case management and in-house expertise.
• Assist in the leadership and management of the legal team, supporting service improvements and strategic objectives.
• Deliver training and legal updates to Council staff on relevant legislation and emerging legal issues.
• Work collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders to achieve effective legal outcomes.
• Maintain accurate electronic case records in accordance with Lexcel standards and the Council's case management procedures.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practise in England and Wales with a current practising certificate (or eligible to obtain one).
• Experience managing Highways and/or Planning law matters within local government or a similar environment.
• Experience of, or aptitude for, advocacy.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, legal procedures, and local government practice.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior legal professionals.
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload while delivering high-quality legal advice and representation.
• Proficiency in electronic case management systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Additional Information

• Location: Surrey County Council - Flexible working with office attendance as required for meetings, hearings, and business needs.