Principal Planning & Highways Lawyer

JR United Kingdom; Kettering; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public sector legal service in Kettering is seeking an experienced Principal Planning & Highways Lawyer. This key leadership position involves managing a team while providing legal advice to local councils. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in planning law, team leadership, and client relations, driving service improvement within a collaborative environment. An attractive salary package includes a management allowance, emphasizing the role's importance in supporting diverse client needs.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of planning and highways law in a local government context.
• Experience advising on large-scale development projects.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team delivering legal advice on planning and highways matters.
• Act as principal legal advisor to client councils and represent them.
• Supervise and develop team members and ensure efficient management.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Advocacy

Client Care

Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive

Job description

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Principal Planning & Highways Lawyer, kettering

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Client:

Location:

kettering, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

5

Posted:

31.05.2025

Expiry Date:

15.07.2025

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Job Description:

Principal Lawyer – Planning & Highways

Location: Huntingdon, Northampton or Shefford (with travel to other offices as required)

Salary: £59,193.75 – £73,861.50 per annum, dependent on experience

Additional Allowance: £1,435 per annum Management Allowance

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced legal professional to join a well-regarded public sector legal service as a Principal Lawyer, specialising in Planning and Highways. This is a key leadership role offering the chance to work with a diverse range of clients across multiple local authorities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of lawyers delivering high quality legal advice on planning, development and highways matters
• Act as the principal legal advisor to client councils and represent them in courts, tribunals, and negotiations
• Oversee a complex and sensitive caseload, ensuring timely, accurate and pragmatic legal support
• Supervise and develop team members, ensuring efficient caseload management and professional development
• Build strong client relationships and support business development opportunities
• Deliver training sessions and legal briefings to clients to enhance their knowledge and self-sufficiency
• Deputise for the Head of Service and contribute to the strategic management of the wider Property, Planning & Highways team

About You:

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive
• In-depth knowledge of planning and highways law, ideally within a local government context
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor and develop others
• Excellent communication, advocacy and client care skills
• Ability to manage complex legal issues with sound judgement and a proactive approach
• Experience of working under pressure and managing competing priorities effectively
• A commitment to high professional standards, continuous service improvement and Lexcel compliance
• Experience of advising on large-scale development projects and constitutional matters
• Knowledge of contract, commercial or litigation law

This role offers a dynamic and rewarding career path for a legal professional looking to lead in a collaborative, public sector legal environment. If you’re a strategic thinker with a passion for planning and highways law, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply or find out more, please get in touch with your CV and contact details.