Highways & Planning Lawyer (Contract) – Local Government

Civic Recruitment Limited; Reigate; Hybrid; 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

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.