Planning Solicitor

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

The Solicitor will provide a high-quality legal service to the Council, delivering professional legal advice, support, representation and documentation within their area of expertise. The post holder will provide clear and practical legal guidance, assess legal risks and support Council departments in achieving their objectives in an efficient, effective and cost-conscious manner.

Working as part of the Legal Services team, the Solicitor will manage a caseload of legal matters, undertake legal research, prepare and negotiate legal documentation, represent the Council in proceedings and provide advice to officers, Members and external stakeholders.

The role requires the development of effective working relationships across the Council and with external partners, ensuring legal advice is accurate, timely, proportionate and aligned with legislation, professional standards and Council priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, timely and practical legal advice, representation and support to Council officers and Members on a range of legal matters.
• Manage a personal caseload of files, ensuring effective case management and progression of legal matters.
• Conduct legal research, analyse legislation, case law, evidence and documentation to identify solutions and provide appropriate legal advice.
• Review and interpret complex information and evidence provided by client departments and external parties.
• Represent the Council in legal proceedings, including hearings, appeals, tribunals and other formal processes where required.
• Draft, negotiate and complete legal documentation, agreements, contracts and other legal materials.
• Provide specialist legal advice within relevant areas, including property, planning, regeneration, development, commercial matters and related local government functions.
• Advise officers on planning and development matters, including planning procedures, enforcement, appeals, public inquiries, development agreements and statutory obligations.
• Provide legal advice relating to property matters, including acquisitions, disposals, leases, licences, landlord and tenant matters, covenants, easements and property transactions.
• Support the preparation of legal cases for public inquiries, appeals and hearings, including instructing Counsel where required.
• Advise on regeneration projects, land transactions, joint ventures and commercial property matters.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including local government, planning, property and constitutional requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, regulations, case law, policy developments and professional guidance relevant to the role.
• Use legal case management systems, templates and departmental procedures effectively.
• Provide advice and support at internal and external meetings, including Committees, Cabinet, working groups and partnership meetings.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with Council departments, senior officers, elected Members and external organisations.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of professional standards within Legal Services.
• Support and mentor trainee solicitors, legal assistants and legal support officers where required.
• Participate in team meetings, briefings, training, supervision and performance development activities.
• Ensure confidentiality and appropriate handling of sensitive information, including secure electronic storage, encryption and redaction of documentation.
• Complete mandatory training requirements, including data protection, equality and diversity and other Council learning requirements.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion throughout all areas of legal practice.
• Protect the reputation of the Council through professional, responsive and high-quality legal support.
• Support continuous improvement of legal processes, procedures and service delivery.
• Participate in emergency response arrangements and undertake urgent legal work outside normal working hours where required.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role, grade and level of responsibility.

Requirements

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (FILEX/CILEX) with a current practising certificate.
• Admission to the relevant professional regulatory body.
• Knowledge and experience of local government legal practice and governance arrangements.
• Knowledge and experience within property, planning, regeneration or commercial legal services.
• Understanding of planning legislation, development control processes and Planning Committee procedures.
• Knowledge of property law, including acquisitions, disposals, leases, licences, landlord and tenant matters, restrictive covenants and property transactions.
• Understanding of local government statutory duties, including best value requirements under relevant legislation.
• Knowledge of legal procedures relating to appeals, judicial review and public inquiries would be desirable.
• Understanding of the political environment and decision-making processes within local government.

Experience

• Experience providing legal advice within a local authority, public sector or comparable legal environment.
• Experience managing a caseload and conducting legal matters independently.
• Experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating legal agreements and documentation.
• Experience advising officers and stakeholders on complex legal issues.
• Experience supporting planning, property, regeneration or commercial projects.
• Experience representing clients in negotiations, hearings, appeals or formal proceedings.
• Experience working under pressure, managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Experience providing clear written and verbal advice tailored to different audiences.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex legal issues.
• Ability to provide balanced, practical and risk-based legal advice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex legal matters clearly to non-legal audiences.
• Ability to work independently, manage workload effectively and make sound decisions.
• Ability to prioritise competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to draft clear, accurate and legally robust documentation.
• Ability to adapt legal advice to support departmental and corporate objectives.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining high professional standards.

Additional Information

Location: Swindon Council offices and other locations as required

Hours per week: Full Time Hours

Bi-Weekly Payments