Job Purpose
To provide expert legal advice, representation, and strategic support on Highways and Planning matters, ensuring the Council discharges its statutory functions lawfully and effectively. The role involves managing a complex caseload, undertaking advocacy where required, supporting the Monitoring Officer, supervising junior lawyers, and contributing to the continuous development and delivery of a high-quality legal service.
- Manage a varied and complex caseload of Highways and Planning legal matters with minimal supervision.
- Provide specialist legal advice to the Council, elected members, officers, and committees.
- Undertake and/or manage advocacy in courts, tribunals, inquiries, and hearings as required.
- Draft, review, and negotiate legal documents, agreements, and correspondence.
- Support the Monitoring Officer by advising on matters of legality and procedural compliance.
- Supervise, mentor, and provide guidance to junior members of the legal team.
- Contribute to reducing reliance on external legal providers through effective case management and in-house expertise.
- Assist in the leadership and management of the legal team, supporting service improvements and strategic objectives.
- Deliver training and legal updates to Council staff on relevant legislation and emerging legal issues.
- Work collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders to achieve effective legal outcomes.
- Maintain accurate electronic case records in accordance with Lexcel standards and the Council's case management procedures.
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practise in England and Wales with a current practising certificate (or eligible to obtain one).
- Experience managing Highways and/or Planning law matters within local government or a similar environment.
- Experience of, or aptitude for, advocacy.
- Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, legal procedures, and local government practice.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior legal professionals.
- Ability to manage a demanding caseload while delivering high-quality legal advice and representation.
- Proficiency in electronic case management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Location: Surrey County Council - Flexible working with office attendance as required for meetings, hearings, and business needs.
- Hours per Week: 35 hours.
- Bi-Weekly Payments
