Principal Lawyer Highways and Planning

Principal Lawyer (Highways and Planning)

• Location: Bedfordshire (Hybrid - 2 days office based)
• Job Type: Full-time (37 hours per week)
• Salary: Up to £72,000

I am recruiting for a Principal Lawyer specialising in Planning and Highways to lead a team of lawyers providing inventive and practical legal advice to a variety of public sector clients. This role is crucial in ensuring compliance with statutory duties and obligations and protecting the best interests of our client organisations.

• Provide legal advice and services to client organisations in planning, development, and highways matters, as well as other corporate or constitutional and administrative matters.
• Manage a complex caseload, delivering high-quality, innovative, and comprehensive specialist legal advice within required timescales.
• Act as a source of legal advice and assistance to client councils’ committees and directorates as directed.
• Attend courts and tribunals, undertaking advocacy where required, and represent clients in negotiations and discussions with third parties.
• Instruct and manage suppliers of external legal services such as solicitors and barristers according to client requirements.
• Lead and develop the service to client organisations in the area of planning and highways, ensuring excellent client care and value for money.
• Actively seek out new business development opportunities.

• Qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, a member of the Bar who has completed pupillage, a qualified Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives, or a Chartered Legal Executive.
• Demonstrated understanding of the local government legal framework, particularly in planning and highways-related law.
• Experience advising on large-scale property development projects.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team of experienced professionals.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of persons and organisations.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage competing priorities.

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and supportive environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Regular opportunities for professional development and training.
• Flexible working arrangements to meet the demands of the role.

To apply for the Principal Lawyer position, please submit your CV detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position.