Planning Lawyer

Location

Hertfordshire | United Kingdom

Job description

Job Category : Legal
Location : Wallfields, East Hertfordshire District Council
Hours Per Week :37.00
Start Date : Immediate Start
Base Salary : £42,614.00

JOB SUMMARY
To provide a high quality and responsive Legal Service to the Council and external clients in relation to all planning law and associated matters and other areas of legal work undertaken by the District Council to the service’s agreed professional standards;

Having conduct of a caseload of planning law matters and to have general understanding of other areas of legal work undertaken by the District Council;

To be responsible for providing creative solutions on a seamless basis to support any service transformation within the council and to meet officer needs;

To provide timely advice on a wide range of complex legal matters;

To be responsible for the interests of the service within the wider council;

To advise and support elected members accordingly;

To work as part of the wider team in Legal and Democratic Services providing support and advice as needed.

Qualifications
Admitted qualified solicitor or barrister with an understanding of local government;

2.2 (and above) Degree in law or equivalent degree and first time pass in Common Professional Examination (CPE) or Graduate Diploma (GDL) (Law conversions).

At least 3 years PQE

A current practising certificate or eligibility for a current practising certificate
Job Specific Skills & Knowledge
Good knowledge of relevant legislation of the relevant legal areas and the decision making processes and procedures;

Good understanding of current issues and best practice delivery relevant to the services areas;
Good knowledge of relevant legislation of the relevant legal areas and the decision making processes and procedures;

Good understanding of current issues and best practice delivery relevant to the services areas;

Experience in effective handling of case load relating to planning law work, including, but not limited to, planning disputes, section 106 agreements, providing advice and support on planning law issues, drafting agreements, article 4 directions, public inquiries, the local plan;

Experience in drafting agreements and dealing with complex legal matters;

Negotiate, draft and deal with agreements under s.106 Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and any other related agreements;

Experience in all matters involving planning enforcement covered by planning legislation and all related legislation including, but not limited to, enforcement notices, stop notices and notices under s.215 Town and Country Planning Act 1990;

To advise in respect of Listed Buildings and conversation matters

Experience in the research and giving of advice, and undertaking transactions or case work in matters relating to planning law.

Experience of advising at committees, particularly Development Management Committees

Knowledge of governance arrangements

Ability to work fast and under pressure, using initiative and adopting a proactive approach;

Responding efficiently to the changing needs of officers and members;

Ability to contribute to the ongoing development of the Service

Able to cultivate good working relationships with officers, members and professionals of external organisations.

Ability to manage own caseload and to work effectively to high professional standards, including being able to respond quickly and accurately to urgent matters and meet deadlines;

A can do and customer focused approach and attitude;

Understanding the role of legal services and how it can contribute to the effectiveness of the council;

Good analytical skills

Job tags

Salary

£42.61k per annum