Highways and Planning Lawyer

The starting salary for this role is £48,698 per annum depending on experience and based on a 36-hour working week. This role is part of our Lawyers Career Scheme providing the opportunity to progress to £60,898 per annum.

We have a great opportunity to join our Highways and Planning legal team as a qualified Solicitor or Lawyer. We are looking for a flexible and motivated colleague to join this friendly team. Our work is interesting and varied and we work for informed and appreciative client teams.

We offer hybrid working which allows for remote working but we also require regular office attendance with the aim to give everyone a balanced work/life ratio. You will be expected to attend a Surrey office a minimum of 40% of your working week, with the ability to access offices across Surrey's estate in Reigate, Weybridge and Woking. The team are very approachable so there will always be someone to provide you with support and discuss matters with.

Our Offer to You

26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (prorated for part time staff)
Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
A generous local government salary related pension
Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents. About the Team

The team sits alongside other teams in the County's Legal Services, supporting the work of the County as Highway Authority and Minerals and Waste Planning Authority. The teams lawyers draft highways and planning agreements, providing advice on planning and highways enforcement, DCO work, appeals, and related litigation. We assist with reports to Committee and Cabinet and provide training for client teams.

Our support of officers on enforcement directly benefits residents ensuring that obstruction, encroachment and planning breaches are addressed effectively.

About the Role

As a Lawyer within the Highways and Planning legal team, you will conduct a number of highways and planning agreements, working in a committed and positive way, sometimes to tight deadlines. Other work includes advising on general highways and planning issues, local government matters and have conduct of any related appeals / litigation.

You will have the opportunity to join our Lawyers Career Scheme which will allow for accelerated career and salary progression based on performance. You will be supported through training, regular supervision and development plans to continue learning and developing your expertise and so achieve successful progression through the career scheme. Local Authority work involves a wide variety of daily challenges in new and interesting areas, but we will provide support for training to cover areas new to you.

Your application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills:

You are a Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX, eligible to practise in England and Wales with a current practicing certificate issued by the relevant regulatory authority
Demonstrate recent and minimum of 2 years of legal experience in the relevant areas of highways and planning law

Experience of working with clients at all levels and have the ability to give clear, accurate and practical advice
Effective team working
Ability to negotiate a range of highways and planning legal agreements and be able to provide practical clear advice on a range of highways and planning matters
Ability to take…