Planning Solicitor – Interim

North West Legal Consortium; Ormskirk; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

North West Legal Consortium is seeking a skilled legal professional in Ormskirk to focus on Planning and Regulatory law. The role involves managing a diverse caseload, providing legal advice, and drafting agreements.

Applicants should hold relevant qualifications and possess strong knowledge in planning legislation, as well as excellent communication skills. This position offers hybrid working with the need for occasional travel to various locations.

Qualifications

• Experience in planning law and local government work.
• Strong technical knowledge of planning procedures.
• Ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage varied caseload of planning matters.
• Provide legal advice on complex planning issues.
• Draft and advise on planning agreements.

Skills

Planning legislation

Drafting legal agreements

Advocacy and case preparation

Communication and interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Qualification as Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive

Job description

Location: Ormskirk / Hybrid, with travel to other locations required

We are seeking a skilled and motivated legal professional with experience in Planning and Regulatory law, playing a key role in delivering a high quality, proactive and customer focused legal service to the Council.

Reporting to the Principal Solicitor, you will support the delivery of a comprehensive legal service across planning matters, contributing to the Council’s strategic priorities and ensuring that decisions are underpinned by a robust legal framework. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of local government, supporting sustainable development and shaping the communities we serve.

About the Role

• Managing a varied caseload of planning and regulatory matters, including planning applications, enforcement, appeals, inquiries and related litigation
• Providing clear, pragmatic and solution-focused legal advice on complex planning issues, including development management, policy and interpretation of legislation
• Drafting and advising on planning agreements, including section 106 agreements, unilateral undertakings and related infrastructure arrangements
• Preparing and conducting cases, including advocacy where appropriate, in courts, tribunals and public inquiries or instruct Counsel as required
• Supporting the development of planning policy, including local plans and neighbourhood plans, ensuring legal compliance and best practice
• Attending committees, sub-committees and working groups, providing timely and accurate legal advice to Members and senior officers
• Contributing to the drafting of bespoke legal documentation and the development of new processes and working practices in evolving areas of law
• Building strong working relationships with internal teams, external partners and stakeholders to deliver coordinated and effective outcomes
• Supporting continuous improvement within the legal service, contributing to a proactive, efficient and high-performing team

What You Will Bring

• Qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with experience in planning law and local government work
• Strong technical knowledge of planning legislation, practice and procedure, including enforcement and planning obligations
• Experience of drafting legal agreements and handling planning-related proceedings, including advocacy or case preparation
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to deadlines within a complex environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to advise senior officers, Members and external stakeholders
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide creative and legally sound solutions
• A proactive, solution-focused approach with sound judgement and attention to detail
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative and supportive team

These are politically restricted posts (see Section 2 Local Government and Housing Act 1989).