Lawyer

Civic Recruitment Limited; Maidstone; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 Month Contract

Hybrid Working

Diverse caseload

Contract extension

Job summary

Kent County Council is seeking a qualified Lawyer to join its Legal Services team within the Chief Executive's Department. The role provides expert legal advice across planning, highways, property, contracts, procurement, litigation and related areas.

You will draft contracts and notices, represent the Council in meetings, manage external advice when needed, and build relationships with Members and officers. PQE of at least 2 years and a current practising certificate are essential.

Qualifications

• PQE of at least 2 years in one or more specialized legal areas.
• Strong drafting and advisory abilities.
• Excellent legal research capabilities.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and competing priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and legal case management systems.

Responsibilities

• Offer specialized legal advice in one or more practice areas.
• Draft contracts, agreements, notices, reports, and other documents.
• Serve as the Council's legal advisor in meetings.
• Represent Legal Services in internal and external meetings and working groups.
• Develop effective working relationships with Members, officers, and stakeholders.
• Conduct legal research and maintain expertise in specialized legal knowledge.
• Support the commissioning and management of external legal advice when necessary.
• Prepare reports and legal briefings for senior officers and decision-makers.
• Accurately record chargeable legal work.
• Ensure adherence to Legal Services quality procedures and standards.
• Contribute to the Council's broader strategic and corporate goals.

Skills

Legal drafting

Legal research

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Time management

Teamwork

MS Word / IT skills

Independent working

Education

Legal qualification (solicitor/barrister/chartered)

Tools

Legal Case Management Systems

Job description

Maidstone, United Kingdom | Posted on 07/09/2026

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.
Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

Location: Kent County Council

Contract: 3 Month Contract (TBC)

Working Pattern: Hybrid Working

Hours: Full Time

Summary

Kent County Council is on the lookout for a qualified Lawyer to join its Legal Services team within the Chief Executive's Department. This role is pivotal in providing expert legal advice and support across various specialized legal fields, aiding the Council in meeting its strategic goals while ensuring adherence to legal standards, effective governance, and sound decision-making. The chosen candidate will collaborate closely with Members, senior managers, officers, and external stakeholders, offering expert legal counsel and drafting a diverse array of legal documents.

Areas of Specialism

Candidates should possess expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Planning

• Handling planning applications
• Managing planning appeals
• Addressing enforcement matters

Highways

• Expertise in highways law
• Knowledge of Public Rights of Way
• Experience with Village Green matters

Property

• Managing acquisitions and disposals
• Handling leases and licences
• Conducting general property transactions

Contracts & Commercial

• Public procurement
• Subsidy control
• Works and service contracts
• Concession contracts
• Health-related service contracts

Litigation

• Handling Human Rights Act claims

Responsibilities

• Offer specialized legal advice in one or more practice areas.
• Draft contracts, agreements, notices, reports, and other legal documents.
• Serve as the Council's legal advisor in meetings.
• Represent Legal Services in both internal and external meetings and working groups.
• Develop effective working relationships with Members, officers, and stakeholders.
• Conduct legal research and maintain expertise in specialized legal knowledge.
• Support the commissioning and management of external legal advice when necessary.
• Prepare reports and legal briefings for senior officers and decision-makers.
• Accurately record chargeable legal work.
• Ensure adherence to Legal Services quality procedures and standards.
• Contribute to the Council's broader strategic and corporate goals.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current Practising Certificate.
• At least 2 years of post-qualification experience (PQE).
• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the specialized legal areas mentioned.
• Strong skills in legal drafting and advisory.
• Excellent legal research capabilities.
• Experience in managing tight deadlines and competing priorities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Legal Case Management Systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Personal Qualities

• Professional and approachable demeanor.
• Strong collaborative working style.
• Flexible and adaptable approach.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality legal services.
• Ability to work proactively and under pressure.

Kent Values

The ideal candidate will embody:

• We Are Brave – Making the right decisions and embracing challenges.
• We Are Curious – Committed to continuous learning and improvement.
• We Are Compassionate – Showing respect and understanding towards others.
• We Are Strong Together – Sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues.
• We Are Responsible – Taking ownership and accountability.

What's on Offer?

• 3 Month Contract (TBC)
• Hybrid Working
• Opportunity to work within a highly regarded Local Authority Legal Services team.
• Diverse and varied legal caseload across specialized practice areas.
• Exposure to significant local government projects and decision-making.
• Potential for contract extension opportunities.

This position is suitable for candidates with experience as a Local Government Lawyer, Solicitor, Legal Executive, Planning Lawyer, Property Lawyer, Commercial Lawyer, Procurement Lawyer, Litigation Lawyer, Highways Lawyer, or Public Sector Legal Advisor.