Solicitor - Regulatory

Derbyshire County Council; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Hybrid working

Flexitime

Free onsite parking

Discounted leisure centre membership

Staff benefits

Job summary

Derbyshire Dales District Council's Legal Team is seeking a qualified Solicitor to join a varied public-law practice. You will advise on licensing, planning, enforcement, environmental health, housing and governance, and you will represent the Council at courts and tribunals.

This role offers genuine responsibility, collaborative teamwork, and flexible/hybrid working. You will draft legal documents, notices and agreements, support colleagues across local authority law, and help deliver essential

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with experience in regulatory/public law matters.
• Ability to provide clear, pragmatic legal advice across complex issues.
• Strong judgement, analytical skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal advice across regulatory/public law matters including licensing, planning, enforcement, environmental health, housing and governance.
• Advise Officers and Members; represent the Council at courts, tribunals, inquiries, hearings and committees; draft documents, notices and agreements.

Skills

Planning law

Regulatory law

Litigation

Licensing

Education

Qualified solicitor

Job description

Closing date: 01 November 2026

Looking for a varied legal role where you can make a real difference?

Derbyshire Dales District Council is looking for an enthusiastic Solicitor to join our friendly and supportive Legal Team. You’ll enjoy a varied caseload, genuine responsibility and the opportunity to provide practical legal advice supporting vital council services and local communities.

About The Role

You’ll provide high-quality legal advice and representation across a broad range of regulatory and public law matters, including licensing, planning, enforcement, environmental health, housing, litigation and governance.

You’ll advise officers and Members, represent the Council at courts, tribunals, inquiries, hearings and committees, and draft legal documents, notices and agreements.

As part of a small, collaborative team, you’ll also have opportunities to support colleagues across wider areas of local authority law, making this an excellent role for a lawyer looking to broaden their experience.

About You

We’re looking for a qualified solicitor who:

• has experience in one or more relevant areas, such as planning, enforcement, licensing, environmental health, housing or litigation
• provides clear, pragmatic and practical legal advice
• has sound judgement, strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• communicates confidently and manages competing priorities effectively
• enjoys working collaboratively and is willing to support colleagues across different areas of legal practice.

Local government experience would be an advantage, but it isn’t essential. We’re equally interested in candidates with the transferable skills and enthusiasm to develop their career in local government.

Why join us?

• 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after five years, plus bank holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• flexible and hybrid working
• flexitime
• free onsite parking
• discounted leisure centre membership
• staff benefits and discounts.

We welcome applications from candidates seeking part-time hours or alternative working arrangements and will consider flexibility wherever possible.

Interviews: 11/12 November