Principal Lawyer - Planning and Highways

Kirklees Council; Gariep Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a qualified Solicitor or Barrister to join their Planning and Highways legal team. The role involves providing expert legal advice on various planning and highways matters, including public inquiries and planning enforcement. A significant focus is placed on expertise in planning law, with opportunities for professional development in highways law. The position offers a hybrid working arrangement and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

27.5 days annual leave increasing to 32.5 after 5 years

Cycle to work scheme

Travel and parking discounts

Exceptional maternity and paternity leave

Local Government Pension

Employee Healthcare access

Qualifications

• Qualified legal practitioner with a current practising certificate.
• Substantial recent experience at a senior level in planning law.
• Experience or ability to develop in highways law and public law.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on planning and highways matters.
• Handle s106 and s278 agreements.
• Advise on planning enforcement and public inquiries.

Skills

Planning law experience

Highways law knowledge

Public rights of way expertise

Local government law skills

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Barrister

Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives

Job description

Overview

Do you want to make a difference to local people?

As one of the largest legal practices in the area, our dedicated Legal Service teams strive to get the best outcomes for people in Kirklees.

The team

The Planning and Highways team handle a wide range of planning, highways, rights of way and environmental matters supporting our ambition for a green, sustainable and prosperous Kirklees.

The role

You will be one of the lead lawyers in the team providing advice to officers and elected members. Examples of matters you will deal with include s106 and 278 agreements, complex and routine planning and highways advice, public enquiries, advice on planning enforcement and public law.

Development

If you are ambitious to develop your knowledge in this specialist area and be supported to develop your management and leadership skills this is the job for you.

What you will bring

You will be a qualified Solicitor holding a current practising certificate, Barrister or a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives. You will have substantial recent experience at a senior level of planning law and practice and experience or the aptitude to develop in highways law, public rights of way and local government law.

Your benefits

Kirklees Council offers these benefits to all its employees:

• 27.5 days annual leave increasing to 32.5 after 5 years’ service (plus bank holidays).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Travel and parking discounts
• Exceptional Maternity and Paternity leave policies
• Local Government Pension
• Access to Employee Healthcare that offers a range of services from counselling to physiotherapy and health assessments.
• Hybrid working

Learn more about Kirklees Council Staff Benefits.

Got questions?

If you would like to have an informal discussion about this role, please telephone John Chapman, Head of Legal Services, 01484 221 000.