Junior Legal Counsel, Highways & Regulation

National Highways; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

National Highways is seeking an Assistant Lawyer to join the Legal Services team. You will provide pragmatic and effective legal advice across a broad range of disciplines, supporting the organisation in achieving its strategic objectives while managing legal risk.

This role offers exposure to diverse areas including highways, planning, and regulatory matters, with opportunities to advise cross‑functional teams and participate in project boards and reporting to senior management.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer or CILEX fellow with practice experience.
• Experience in contracts/procurement, commercial or civil litigation, planning, highways, employment, property, or regulatory law.
• Understanding of Public Law and its application within a complex organisation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure with competing priorities and deliver high-quality legal advice.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear, practical legal advice on routine matters as a trusted advisor.
• Advise on reputational risk and manage stakeholder expectations for effective legal service delivery.
• Act independently as a legal expert, guiding colleagues on routine matters and supporting more complex issues.
• Attend project boards and provide legal input to influence decisions and secure buy-in.
• Contribute to reports and briefings for senior management to support business needs.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, regulations and internal policies, and manage external legal providers.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Pressure management

Education

Qualified Lawyer or Chartered Legal Executive

Job description

National Highways is seeking an Assistant Lawyer to join the Legal Services team. You will provide pragmatic and effective legal advice across a broad range of disciplines, supporting the organisation in achieving its strategic objectives while managing legal risk.

This role offers exposure to diverse areas including highways, planning, and regulatory matters, with opportunities to advise cross‑functional teams and participate in project boards and reporting to senior management.