Planning Lawyer

ZipRecruiter; Lichfield; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking local authority as a Planning Lawyer, providing expert legal advice on planning matters. This role involves supporting the Council and external clients, managing complex cases, and contributing to policy development. With a competitive salary package, hybrid working options, and a commitment to public service, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of planning law in a vibrant community. If you are passionate about legal practice and want to make a difference, we invite you to apply and be part of our dynamic team.

Benefits

Private Healthcare

Pension Contributions

Free Parking

Hybrid Working

Modern Offices

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister, or FILEX with strong planning law knowledge.
• Experience in local authority or private practice, advising council members.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on planning and regeneration matters.
• Draft documentation related to complex planning and legal issues.

Skills

Planning Law

Legal Advice

Contractual Matters

Public Speaking

Analytical Skills

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Barrister

FILEX

Job description

Job Description

We are LWMTS, a company wholly owned by Lichfield District Council. A local authority in the Heart of England that provides local services to over 100,000 residents. Our District is a beautiful place to live and work, with its historic city centre featuring the impressive Lichfield Cathedral and being the birthplace of Samuel Johnson.

**We will consider reduced hours or part-time applications**

THE ROLE

We are hiring an experienced Planning Lawyer to provide high-level and proactive expert legal advice related to planning to officers within Lichfield West Midlands Traded Services (LWMTS), on behalf of the Council. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, S106 and CIL legal agreements, support and attendance at Planning Committee meetings, highway matters, BNG, and representation at planning appeals.

You will report to the Director of Planning & Regeneration and support the wider planning team. Additionally, you will be part of the newly formed planning consultancy, providing bespoke legal services to external clients on a commercial basis.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide legal advice on planning, regeneration, highways, and contractual matters for the Council, LWMTS, and external clients.
2. Draft documentation related to complex planning and other legal issues.
3. Advise on the powers and decision-making processes of the Council and LWMTS, ensuring legality.
4. Support the Director of Planning and Regeneration in promoting and delivering commercial consultancy services and generating income.
5. Lead on corporate and strategic legal work, including major projects and cross-departmental initiatives.
6. Contribute to policy development and help implement the Corporate Strategy and performance framework.
7. Manage complex individual cases and conduct related litigation.
8. Act as the main liaison for any counsel-led advice required.
9. Develop policies and best practices, monitoring their impact across the relevant areas.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Qualified solicitor, barrister, or FILEX.
• Strong understanding of planning law and practice.
• Experience in a large, complex organization.
• Good knowledge of planning law affecting local government in the UK.
• Proven experience working in local authority or private practice.
• Experience advising council members or board members, including during public meetings and through reports.
• Experience contributing to corporate decision-making and policy development.

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS

• Ability to manage all responsibilities independently and handle a caseload.
• Provide legal advice that supports organizational objectives.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Contribute to the long-term development of the service area.
• Demonstrate commitment to high standards of public service, honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
• Ability to produce clear, effective reports for diverse audiences.
• High-level analytical skills to identify issues and develop solutions.

We offer a competitive salary package including private healthcare, pension contributions, free parking, hybrid working, and modern offices in a central location. Join our growing team and vibrant culture.

NOTE:

All employment offers are conditional upon satisfactory clearances, including:

• Two references covering the last three years of employment.
• Proof of right to work in the UK; DBS check if applicable.

WHAT NEXT?

To apply, please send your CV and supporting statement to [e-mail]. For assistance with your application or recruitment process, contact [e-mail] to discuss reasonable adjustments.

We look forward to hearing from you.