Location: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire (Hybrid Working)
Salary: £56,051–£61,358 per annum, including a £3,000 market supplement
Contract: Permanent
Red Snapper Recruitment are recruiting on behalf of Kirklees Council for an experienced Principal Lawyer specialising in Planning and Highways Law to join their Legal Services team on a permanent basis.
This is an opportunity to undertake complex and varied legal work supporting planning, infrastructure, highways and regeneration projects that have a direct impact on local communities.
The Council offers hybrid working, with office attendance generally based around a minimum of two days per month where appropriate, subject to business needs and the requirements of the role.
Provide specialist legal advice on planning, highways, environmental law, public rights of way, compulsory purchase and traffic regulation matters.
Draft and negotiate Section 106 planning agreements, unilateral undertakings and Section 38/278 highways agreements.
Advise senior officers, elected members and committees on complex planning and highways matters.
Support planning and highways enforcement, public inquiries, judicial reviews and legal challenges.
Manage complex legal matters and instruct external Counsel where appropriate.
Supervise, mentor and support junior legal professionals.
Provide training and guidance on relevant legal developments.
Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (fully qualified practising Fellow of CILEx), or proven equivalent practical experience as specified in the job description.
Substantial senior-level experience in planning law and practice.
Experience in at least two of the following:
Highways Law
Public Rights of Way Law
Compulsory Purchase Order Law
Local Government Law
Strong legal drafting, negotiation and advisory skills.
Experience supervising staff, or the aptitude and ability to do so.
Ability to manage complex legal matters independently and meet competing deadlines.
Applicants from private practice and other relevant legal environments are encouraged to apply. Previous local government experience is advantageous but not essential.
Local Government Pension Scheme (defined-benefit pension).
28.5 days’ annual leave, rising to 33.5 days after five years, plus bank holidays.
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, subject to service requirements.
Support with professional practising certificate fees, subject to Council policy.
Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and family leave arrangements.
Professional development, coaching and training opportunities.
Employee healthcare, wellbeing support and staff discount schemes.
If you are an experienced Planning Lawyer seeking a senior permanent opportunity within local government, please submit your up-to-date CV to Red Snapper Recruitment for consideration.
As part of your application, you may be presented with the opportunity to complete a short pre-interview screening at a time that's convenient for you. It's available 24/7, allowing you to fast-track your application without having to wait for office hours.
Once you've completed your screening, one of our specialist recruitment consultants will personally review your application and, if you're shortlisted, will contact you to arrange the next stage of the interview process.
Flexible. Convenient. Reviewed by specialist recruiters.