Senior Solicitor – Property & Planning

Hours per week: 37Contract type: Permanent

About the Job

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic legal team providing comprehensive legal services to the Council, its Executive, Committees and Sub-Committees, as well as senior officers, elected Members and external clients. As a Senior Solicitor specialising in Property and Planning, you will play a key role in protecting the Council’s interests while delivering pragmatic, solutions‑focused legal advice that aligns with organisational priorities and objectives.

Responsibilities

• Handle a varied and often complex caseload, including major property transactions, planning enforcement matters and the drafting and negotiation of Section 106 agreements
• Draft and settle a wide range of legal documents and provide clear, authoritative advice on complex and high‑profile matters
• Attend meetings of the Executive, Committees and other forums to offer legal and procedural guidance
• Exercise sound judgement in identifying when specialist external advice is required, instruct counsel where appropriate, and oversee delivery to ensure value for money
• Contribute to corporate and cross‑departmental projects, support policy development, and maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of legal and regulatory developments affecting property and planning law

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales with a current practising certificate and at least six years’ post‑qualification experience, ideally within a local government/public sector context
• Significant experience managing a broad range of complex commercial property matters with minimal supervision, demonstrable expertise in planning enforcement and negotiating Section 106 agreements
• Strong understanding of English, property, land and planning law, and confidence in applying this knowledge in a local government or similarly complex environment
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, ability to assess legal and commercial risk, and present advice clearly, practically and persuasively
• Confident decision‑maker capable of exercising sound judgement in high‑pressure situations and managing a demanding caseload effectively
• Collaborative team player, capable of supporting, mentoring and supervising junior colleagues while contributing positively to team objectives
• Strong organisational and ICT skills, and ability to represent the Council professionally in a range of formal settings
• Understanding of equality legislation and its application in public sector work
• Experience in highway agreements, compulsory purchase and knowledge of local government and European law would be advantageous

Please note: This role does not attract sponsorship.

Benefits

• 25 to 32 days’ annual leave, linked to length of service and grade
• Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
• Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
• Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 19.2 % (at April 2026) and 3× salary death in service grant
• Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
• Employee Assistance Programme: free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support for employees, partners or spouses and dependent children over 16 who still live at home
• Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible, part‑time hours and alternative working patterns
• Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
• Staff offers: discounts on MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
• Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel

Equality and Diversity

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough.

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