Principal Lawyer – Planning & Highways
Location: Huntingdon, Northampton or Shefford (with travel to other offices as required)
Salary: £59,193.75 – £73,861.50 per annum, dependent on experience
Additional Allowance: £1,435 per annum Management Allowance
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced legal professional to join a well-regarded public sector legal service as a Principal Lawyer, specialising in Planning and Highways. This is a key leadership role offering the chance to work with a diverse range of clients across multiple local authorities.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead and manage a team of lawyers delivering high quality legal advice on planning, development and highways matters
* Act as the principal legal advisor to client councils and represent them in courts, tribunals, and negotiations
* Oversee a complex and sensitive caseload, ensuring timely, accurate and pragmatic legal support
* Supervise and develop team members, ensuring efficient caseload management and professional development
* Build strong client relationships and support business development opportunities
* Deliver training sessions and legal briefings to clients to enhance their knowledge and self-sufficiency
* Deputise for the Head of Service and contribute to the strategic management of the wider Property, Planning & Highways team
About You:
* Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive
* In-depth knowledge of planning and highways law, ideally within a local government context
* Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor and develop others
* Excellent communication, advocacy and client care skills
* Ability to manage complex legal issues with sound judgement and a proactive approach
* Experience of working under pressure and managing competing priorities effectively
* A commitment to high professional standards, continuous service improvement and Lexcel compliance
Desirable Experience:
* Experience of advising on large-scale development projects and constitutional matters
* Knowledge of contract, commercial or litigation law
This role offers a dynamic and rewarding career path for a legal professional looking to lead in a collaborative, public sector legal environment. If you’re a strategic thinker with a passion for planning and highways law, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply or find out more, please get in touch with your CV and contact details.