Solicitor - Highways & Environment

Solicitor - Highways & Environment

Permanent, Full Time

£50,609 to £59,540 per annum + benefits

Location: Chelmsford

Working Style: Anywhere worker

Closing Date: 28th June 2026

This is a hybrid working role contractually based in Chelmsford. You will work from the Chelmsford office at least one day per week, depending on business need. Whilst travel is not usually expected there may occasionally be a need to be off site.

We are looking for a Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive to deliver high quality legal advice, information, analysis and interpretation to support decision making, performance management and compliance with statutory requirements. The role involves building strong relationships with clients, supporting business development activity aligned to Essex Legal Services' strategy and delivering a high performing client facing service.

What We're Looking For

• Qualified solicitor or barrister or legal executive with a full valid practising certificate.
• Strong communication and influencing skills to establish credibility with Directors, senior management and other key stakeholders.
• Effective drafting and negotiating skill with demonstrably good case management capabilities.
• Adaptability and resilience to contribute effectively in a large complex organisation undergoing change.
• Detailed knowledge of legal advice in a public sector setting, including planning issues, drafting and negotiating public sector agreements, and advising at committee level.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a role model for client service across Essex Legal Services, supporting business wide training and discussion groups.
• Use communication and influencing skills to resolve complex issues and balance competing interests.
• Anticipate change, adapt priorities, and support others in responding to new demands.
• Proactively undertake challenging work, set targets, monitor performance and remove barriers to team effectiveness.
• Build credibility through informed, timely decision making and sound judgment in complex or ambiguous situations.
• Manage multiple priorities, allocate resources effectively and develop contingency plans for changing circumstances.
• Balance organisational and individual needs, encourage collaboration, and support learning and service improvement.
• Understand external social and political influences affecting resourcing and align team performance with organisational goals.

Benefits

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements, including remote work and in office collaboration.
• 27 days of holiday, increasing with service, plus 8 bank holidays and up to 4 paid volunteer days each year.
• Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Professional development support, covering approved profession fees.
• Benefit packages for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements for carers.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the job. We are also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role.