Specialist Lawyer (Planning)

Lawyers In Local Government; Horsham; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local authority in England is seeking an experienced legal professional with expertise in planning law to provide strategic legal advice and guide a team. This role involves delivering high-quality legal outcomes, influencing the borough's Corporate Delivery Plan, and ensuring robust governance. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record as a solicitor or barrister and a strong understanding of property law, along with the ability to manage a diverse caseload effectively. Flexibility for hybrid working is offered, making this an excellent opportunity for the right individual.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in delivering high-quality legal outcomes.
• Experience in property law within a local government setting.
• Ability to manage a diverse caseload independently.

Responsibilities

• Deliver expert advice on planning law.
• Support clear, transparent legal decision-making.
• Influence the Corporate Delivery Plan aligning legal strategy with objectives.

Skills

Property law

Regeneration law

Commercial contracts

Litigation

Judicial review

ADR

Attention to detail

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister (practising certificate)

Job description

Contract: Permanent – Full Time

Why Southwark?

Are you ready to bring your planning law expertise somewhere it will truly matter? At Southwark Council, we’re rewriting the future of our borough, and we want a legal mind who’s as sharp, confident, and dynamic as the developments transforming our skyline. If you thrive in legal complexity, love offering crisp, strategic advice, and want your work to leave a visible mark on London, this could be your career move.

Here’s Why This Role Stands Out

• Be the legal force behind some of London’s boldest regeneration projects, from riverfront transformations to the renewal of iconic communities like Elephant and Castle, Peckham, and Canada Water
• Work at the heart of power and influence directly advising Cabinet Members, committees, council leaders, and senior officers on high-impact planning decisions
• Shape the legal strategy of a borough that doesn’t just follow policy, it sets it, driving innovation, good governance, and future-focused decision-making

What You’ll Be Doing

• Deliver expert, specialist advice on planning law across a varied and high-profile portfolio
• Ensure robust governance by supporting clear, transparent, and legally sound decision-making
• Influence and contribute to the Corporate Delivery Plan, aligning legal strategy with Southwark’s long-term ambitions

Lead With Purpose

• Inspire and guide a team of legal professionals (where required), championing excellence and responsiveness
• Collaborate with Cabinet, committees, steering groups, and senior stakeholders to provide legally grounded, forward-thinking insight
• Act as a subject matter expert on complex and sensitive legal matters, ensuring our planning ambitions are achieved with confidence and clarity

What We’re Looking For

• A proven track record as a qualified solicitor, barrister (with a current practising certificate), or FILEX, delivering high-quality legal outcomes
• Demonstrable impact in supporting and achieving strategic planning objectives
• Practical experience in property law ideally in a local government setting
• Strong knowledge of property & regeneration law, commercial contracts, litigation, judicial review, and ADR
• Confidence managing a diverse caseload independently
• Exceptional attention to detail, operating effectively in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities
• A basic DBS certificate is required
• Flexibility to blend home working with on-site collaboration at our vibrant London Bridge HQ
• Please reach out to Kamil Dolebski if you would like to discuss the role in more detail or have any questions on: 07704 667 956

Additional Information

About Southwark Council: Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues such as The Shard, The Tate Modern and Borough Market along with many social enterprises and we have a young, diverse, and growing population. At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.

Closing date: 23 January 2026.

Interview date: Week commencing 5 February 2026.