Job Description for Senior Lawyer - Planning
Department: Legal & Governance
Reports to: Principal Lawyer - Housing & Litigation
Pay: £40.00 per hour
Role Context:The Senior Lawyer - Planning supports Lambeth Council's "One Lambeth" agenda by delivering high-quality, cost-effective legal services in planning law. The role emphasises collaboration, strategic advice, and governance to enable council departments to achieve their objectives.
Key Responsibilities:Legal Advice & Representation:
- Provide specialist legal advice on planning law to the council, executive, committees, and departments.
- Represent the council in planning inquiries and courts (Magistrates, High Court, Court of Appeal, etc.).
Team Leadership:
- Lead and manage the Planning Team, ensuring high performance and quality assurance.
- Supervise and support the development of team members, adhering to Lexcel practice standards.
Corporate Strategy & Governance:
- Contribute to the development and implementation of corporate policies, governance, and decision-making processes.
- Draft reports, provide legal implications, and deliver briefings or training on legal updates.
Operational & Budget Management:
- Manage caseloads, monitor external legal services budgets, and produce performance and cost reports.
- Oversee the council's response to legislative and case law changes.
Cross-Functional Support:
- Support corporate projects and initiatives.
- Collaborate with council colleagues, members, and external stakeholders to build credible relationships.
Compliance & Policies:
- Adhere to and promote council policies on equality, diversity, health and safety, and data protection.
Essential Qualifications and Experience:- Qualifications: Solicitor, Barrister, or FCILEx (or equivalent).
- Experience:
- Substantial experience in planning law (preferably in local government).
- Team leadership, performance management, and maintaining quality standards under Lexcel.
- Familiarity with legal case management systems and tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Core Values & Behaviours:The role requires alignment with Lambeth's core values:
- Equity: Promote inclusivity and fairness.
- Kindness: Foster a respectful, empathetic, and supportive team environment.
- Accountability: Ensure transparency, strong decision-making, and ownership of responsibilities.
- Ambition: Encourage innovation, collaboration, and excellence in service delivery.
This role is central to the council's strategic and operational planning legal support, requiring exceptional leadership and technical expertise. If this role fits you please call Harrison on #removed#
