Senior Planning & Highways Lawyer - Hybrid, Local Government

Local Government South East; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Bank holidays

LGPS pension

Life Assurance

On-site day nursery

Season Ticket Loan

Lease car salary sacrifice

Job summary

Reading Borough Council is seeking a Senior Lawyer – Planning & Highways to join its Legal Services team in Reading. You will provide specialist legal advice on planning, highways and regeneration matters for major projects, working closely with Planning, Highways, Property and Transport to deliver practical, commercially aware solutions.

You will advise Councils committees and officers, draft and negotiate planning obligations, and support the council on complex enforcement and compulsory

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX Fellow with current practising certificate in England.
• Strong legal analytical skills and clear written and verbal communication.
• Ability to manage a varied workload with sound judgement and independence.

Responsibilities

• Advise on planning law, highways law and regulatory matters.
• Draft and negotiate Section 106/278 agreements and other planning-related documents.
• Support major regeneration, development and infrastructure projects.
• Advise Planning Committees, officers and elected members on complex issues.
• Provide legal advice on planning enforcement and compulsory purchase matters.
• Represent the Council in negotiations, inquiries, hearings and court proceedings when needed.
• Draft legal documents, reports and briefing papers to a high standard.
• Build relationships with clients, developers, external solicitors and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior lawyers and legal support staff.

Skills

Legal analysis

Communication

Stakeholder management

Mentoring/leading

Political awareness

Education

Qualified Solicitor/Barrister/CILEX Fellow with practising certificate

Job description

Reading Borough Council is seeking a Senior Lawyer – Planning & Highways to join its Legal Services team in Reading. You will provide specialist legal advice on planning, highways and regeneration matters for major projects, working closely with Planning, Highways, Property and Transport to deliver practical, commercially aware solutions.

You will advise Councils committees and officers, draft and negotiate planning obligations, and support the council on complex enforcement and compulsory