Lawyer/Solicitor (Property, Planning & Contracts)

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is seeking a talented lawyer to shape major projects and support regeneration across the borough. The role offers flexible and hybrid working with a Career Grade structure from K to N and a salary range of £39,481–£51,928.

You will advise on property and contract matters, manage a diverse caseload, and contribute to high-profile initiatives that transform communities and local services. This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of Stockton-on-Tees.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitors, Barristers or FCILEX with experience in Property and/or Contract law.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Sound legal judgement.
• Commercial awareness.
• Practical and solutions-focused approach.
• Ability to manage competing priorities.
• Genuine commitment to delivering excellent client service.

Responsibilities

• Advise on a wide range of property and/or contract matters.
• Manage your own caseload with appropriate support and supervision.
• Support strategic projects, regeneration initiatives and development opportunities.
• Advise Officers and Members on complex legal issues.
• Attend and advise at Planning Committee and other Council meetings.
• Represent the Council in hearings, tribunals, appeals and related proceedings where appropriate.
• Help ensure the Council's decisions are legally robust and informed by sound professional judgement.
• Contribute to service improvement and the continued development of Legal Services.

Skills

Property law

Contract law

Education

FCILEX/Solicitor/Barrister

Job description

Shape Places. Deliver Major Projects. Build Your Career.

Career Grade K-N | £39,481 - £51,928 | Up to 37 hours per week | Flexible & Hybrid Working

There are legal roles where you're asked to support projects, then there are legal roles where you're helping to shape the future of a place.

At Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, we've delivered significant regeneration across the Borough and have ambitious plans for the future. From major town centre investment and regeneration projects to commercial developments, strategic property transactions, infrastructure improvements and public sector partnerships, our legal team plays a vital role in making things happen.

We're looking for a talented lawyer who wants more than a routine caseload. People who enjoy solving problems, building relationships and being involved in projects that leave a lasting impact on communities, businesses and the places people call home.

Whether you're looking for your next step, a broader range of work, or simply a role where you can see the difference your advice makes, we'd love to hear from you.

Why choose Stockton?

Flexibility that works for real life

We know that everyone works differently.

Whether you need school-hour flexibility, hybrid working, compressed hours, part-time arrangements or an alternative working pattern, we're happy to have a conversation about what works best for you and the service.

Because great lawyers come from all walks of life.

Real opportunity

This is not a role where you'll spend your days working through the same transactions or agreements.

You’ll be involved in a diverse and often complex portfolio of work supporting regeneration, development, property transactions, planning matters, highways schemes and commercial projects across the Borough.

The work is varied, visible and genuinely interesting. There is rarely a dull moment, and the legal advice you provide will often sit at the heart of projects that shape the future of Stockton-on-Tees.

Genuine career progression

We're committed to developing our people.

Our Career Grade structure allows you to join at the level that's right for you and progress as your experience, expertise and responsibilities grow.

Rather than waiting for opportunities to become available, you'll have a clear pathway for professional development and progression within the service.

Quality work without the billing targets

Many lawyers enjoy the technical legal work but become frustrated by constant billing pressures, unrealistic targets and the need to account for every six minutes of their day.

Here you'll work on complex, high-quality matters where the focus is on delivering outcomes, managing risk and supporting important projects rather than chargeable hours.

A team that works together

You’ll join a well-regarded legal team that values collaboration, professionalism and mutual support.

We don't believe in throwing people in at the deep end and hoping for the best. Instead, you'll work alongside experienced colleagues who are approachable, knowledgeable and committed to sharing expertise.

We are particularly interested in hearing from

• Lawyers with experience in property and/or contracts who are looking for greater variety and exposure to a broader range of work.
• Lawyers with an interest in regeneration, development and place-shaping projects.
• Ambitious professionals looking for genuine progression opportunities.
• Local Government lawyers seeking a fresh challenge.
• Private practice lawyers who enjoy the work but are ready for greater balance and flexibility.
• Collaborative lawyers who enjoy building relationships and finding practical legal solutions.

What you'll be doing

• Advise on a wide range of property and/or contract matters.
• Manage your own caseload with appropriate support and supervision.
• Support strategic projects, regeneration initiatives and development opportunities.
• Advise Officers and Members on complex legal issues.
• Attend and advise at Planning Committee and other Council meetings.
• Represent the Council in hearings, tribunals, appeals and related proceedings where appropriate.
• Help ensure the Council's decisions are legally robust and informed by sound professional judgement.
• Contribute to service improvement and the continued development of Legal Services.

What we're looking for

We're interested in qualified Solicitors, Barristers or FCILEX professionals who can demonstrate experience within Property and/or Contract law.

Equally important are the personal qualities you'll bring:

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Sound legal judgement.
• Commercial awareness.
• A practical and solutions-focused approach.
• The ability to manage competing priorities.
• A genuine commitment to delivering excellent client service.

Whether you're already experienced in local government or looking to bring transferable expertise from another sector, we welcome conversations with candidates who are excited by the opportunity to contribute to meaningful and high-profile work.

Join us

This is an opportunity to work on projects that matter. To develop your career within a supportive and progressive legal team and to play a part in shaping the future of one of the North East's most ambitious and evolving boroughs.

What to chat first?

Contact April Pilgrim ([e-mail])

Please note that we’re unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role, so candidates will need to have an existing right to work in the UK.

Important Applicant Guidance

Accuracy and Use of AI Tools

You must ensure that anything submitted in your application is factually accurate. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Whilst we accept candidates may use AI tools within job applications; submissions must be truthful and relevant to your own experience.

Application Updates and Communication

All updates regarding your application, including interview invitations, will be sent from ‘[e-mail]’ to the email linked to your North East Jobs account, and will also appear in the ‘My Messages’ section of your account.

Right to Work

All applicants must provide valid proof of their right to work in the UK in accordance with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s statutory employment checks. Employment cannot commence or continue unless this has been verified.

Council Principles

The Council’s recruitment principles require fairness, transparency, and a commitment to attracting and developing local talent.

Limitations

Where an individual cannot demonstrate a valid right to work in the UK, the Council will be unable to progress or continue the appointment. This includes cases where an existing employee’s visa is due to expire and sponsorship is not granted.