Solicitor (Highways, Planning and Environment) | Preston | Full Time

Lancashire County Council; Preston; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancashire County Council is seeking a qualified legal professional to join their Legal Services team as a Solicitor specializing in Highways, Planning, and Environment. The successful candidate will manage a diverse caseload and provide legal guidance across various matters while contributing to the county’s infrastructure development. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Local Government Pension Scheme

26 days annual leave

Staff discount scheme

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of highways, planning, and environmental law.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of highways and planning matters.
• Provide legal advice to internal clients and stakeholders.
• Represent the County Council in courts and public inquiries.

Skills

Communication

Analytical

Research

Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEx

Job description

Salary £44,711 - £49,764 per annum | 1 x Permanent & 1 x 12 month Fixed Term Role | Full time, 37 hours per week | Preston

Are you a qualified legal professional? Join our Legal Services team at County Hall and play a vital role in shaping the county’s infrastructure and development.

As a Solicitor (Highways, Planning and Environment), you will:

• Manage a caseload of highways and planning matters, including but not restricted to s38, s278, s106 agreements, public rights of way and enforcement matters.
• Provide legal advice to a range of internal clients and stakeholders.
• Draft and review committee reports and attend relevant council meetings.
• Represent the County Council in both County and Magistrates Courts and at public inquiries.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Legal Environment Team to deliver high-quality legal services.

We’re currently accepting applications for two exciting opportunities: one full-time, permanent position and one full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract.

What we're looking for:

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, or equivalent with a current practising certificate.
• Experience in a legal environment with a strong understanding of highways, planning, and environmental law.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and research skills.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines.

For a confidential conversation about this role, please contact Saleha Khalid or Stephanie Lee by email at [e-mail] [e-mail]

Closing date:22^nd July 2025

Interview date:w/c 28^th July 2025

Why join us?

By joining Lancashire County Council, you can shape the career path that is right for you with the opportunity to gain personal and professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring – Lancashire County Council really is the place where you can have the career you've always wanted.

In return for your passion and expertise, we also offer a generous benefits package which includes:

• A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions and optional Additional Voluntary Contributions.
• A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave, which rises with length of service. You will also be entitled to 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and have the option to buy additional leave each year.
• Our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup allowing you to access discounts with a range of UK retailers, saving on everything from weekly food shops to white goods and cars.

We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.

You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability.

Job Description & Person Specification