Senior Planning Lawyer

Service Care Legal are working with an East London Borough Council, renowned for its diversity, rich history, and ambitious development plans, is seeking a Senior Planning Lawyer to join its dynamic legal services team on an ongoing contract basis.

Job Title: Senior Planning Lawyer
Location: East London Borough Council (Hybrid - 2 days per week in office)
Rate: £45.00 to £50.00 per hour LTD (DOE and interview performance)
Contract: 36 hours per week, 3-month contract

Please note that this role would require office attendance 2 days per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist legal advice on a range of planning, development, and highways matters.
• Draft and negotiate complex agreements, including:
  • Section 106 agreements and deeds of variation
  • Highways agreements and oversail licences
  • Rent and nominations agreements to secure affordable housing
• Provide advice on Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) matters.
• Represent the council at public inquiries, court proceedings, and planning appeals, including instruction of Counsel where necessary.
• Support and attend planning committees, including pre-meetings and evening sessions as required.
• Contribute to broader legal services, supporting constitutional, administrative, and corporate matters.

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEx (England & Wales) with a valid practising certificate.
• Significant post-qualification experience in planning and highways law, ideally within a local government setting.
• Experience conducting your own caseload with minimal supervision.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.