Principal Lawyer

Job Overview:
The Principal Lawyer - Planning will provide expert legal advice and representation on all aspects of planning law to the local authority. This role involves overseeing complex planning matters, guiding junior staff, and ensuring that the local authority's planning functions are legally compliant. The Principal Lawyer will work closely with various departments, elected members, and external stakeholders to support and facilitate the authority’s planning objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Legal Advice and Support:
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* Provide high-quality legal advice on all matters related to planning law, including development control, local plans, enforcement, and related areas.
* Advise on the interpretation and application of planning legislation, regulations, and case law.
* Draft and review planning agreements, enforcement notices, and other legal documents.
* Represent the local authority in planning inquiries, hearings, and court proceedings.
Case Management:
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* Manage a diverse and complex caseload of planning matters, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of legal services.
* Oversee and coordinate legal support for major development projects and regeneration schemes.
* Conduct legal research and prepare comprehensive reports and briefing papers on planning issues.
Team Leadership and Development:
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* Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and legal assistants, providing guidance and support to enhance their professional development.
* Allocate work within the planning law team, ensuring an equitable distribution of workload.
* Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment.
Stakeholder Engagement:
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* Liaise with internal departments, including planning, development, and enforcement teams, to ensure a cohesive approach to planning matters.
* Provide training and briefings to elected members, officers, and other stakeholders on planning law and procedures.
* Engage with external partners, including developers, landowners, and other local authorities, to facilitate the delivery of planning objectives.
Policy and Procedure Development:
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* Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to planning law within the authority.
* Ensure that the local authority's planning policies and practices are up-to-date and compliant with current legislation and best practice.
* Participate in the review and updating of the local authority’s local plan and other strategic planning documents.
Qualifications and Experience:
* Qualified solicitor or barrister with a current practising certificate.
* Extensive experience in planning law, with a strong understanding of local authority planning functions.
* Proven track record of managing complex planning cases and delivering high-quality legal advice.
* Experience in supervising and developing junior legal staff.
* Excellent advocacy, negotiation, and communication skills

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