Senior Planning Solicitor - Local Authority; Temp

Position: Senior Planning Solicitor - Local Authority (Temp )
Pertemps Network Group are proud to be partnering with a reputable and forward-thinking Local Authority to recruit a Senior Solicitor specialising in Planning, Highways and Licensing. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced legal professional to work on high-profile regeneration and redevelopment projects, supporting strategic initiatives that directly impact local communities.

This role sits within the Planning and Property legal team, providing specialist legal advice to senior officers, elected members and key stakeholders across the council.

Rate: £(Apply online only) (a day)
Flexibility:
Office x2 days a Month

The Role

As Senior Solicitor, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality, proactive and commercially focused legal advice across planning, highways, licensing and regeneration matters.
You will support major development projects, infrastructure schemes and complex legal matters while ensuring the council continues to deliver excellent value and services for residents.

Key Responsibilities
Provide expert legal advice on planning, highways, licensing and regeneration matters
Advise planning officers on major planning applications and urban redevelopment projects
Draft, negotiate and advise on complex planning agreements, highway agreements and property transactions
Provide specialist advice on compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) and land appropriation
Represent the council and provide legal advice at Planning Committees and Licensing Sub-Committees
Manage and conduct public inquiries, planning appeals and judicial review proceedings in the High Court, Court of Appeal and relevant tribunals
Provide legal advice on risk, governance and monitoring officer responsibilities
Support the Head of Law and senior leadership on complex and high-profile legal matters
Instruct and manage Counsel and external legal advisors where appropriate
Maintain accurate legal records and ensure work is delivered in line with professional standards
Contribute to the council’s wider objectives, including sustainability and environmental commitments
Essential Qualifications

Applicants must hold one of the following professional qualifications:

Qualified Solicitor of England & Wales
Barrister qualified to practice in England & Wales
Fellow of CILEX (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) with rights of audience and entitlement to practise

Essential Experience
Advising on planning law, property law and regeneration projects
Dealing with complex or high-profile planning and development matters
Strong experience drafting and negotiating Section 106 agreements, planning agreements and highway agreements
Advising on major development schemes and regeneration initiatives
Dealing with compulsory purchase orders and land appropriation
Experience advising senior officers, councillors and decision-makers
Experience managing planning appeals, inquiries or judicial review proceedings

Knowledge & Skills
Strong knowledge of planning law, highways law, licensing law and regeneration frameworks
Ability to draft complex legal agreements and legal documentation
Excellent negotiation, communication and influencing skills
Ability to provide clear, practical and commercially focused legal advice
Ability to work collaboratively with senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex caseloads
Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality legal services within tight deadlines
Why Join?
Opportunity to work on major urban redevelopment and regeneration projects
Be part of a high-performing and supportive legal team
Play a key role in delivering strategic projects that benefit local communities
Flexible and hybrid working options available
Pertemps Network Group welcomes applications from experienced legal professionals looking to take the next step in their public sector legal career