Principal Planning & Highways Lawyer

ZipRecruiter; Northampton; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

An established public sector legal service is seeking a Principal Lawyer specializing in Planning and Highways. This role offers the opportunity to lead a team while providing high-quality legal advice to local authorities. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of planning law within a local government context. This dynamic position promises a rewarding career path for strategic thinkers passionate about public service. Join a collaborative environment where your expertise will shape the future of planning and highways law.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive required.
• In-depth knowledge of planning and highways law is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of lawyers delivering legal advice on planning and highways matters.
• Act as principal legal advisor to client councils and represent them in courts.

Skills

Leadership

Planning Law

Highways Law

Communication Skills

Advocacy

Client Care

Judgment

Team Management

Pressure Management

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Barrister

Chartered Legal Executive

Job description

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

Desirable Experience:

• 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.