Planning Lawyer

Contract Civic Recruitment Limited United Kingdom

Posted On 10/02/2026

Job Information

Work Experience 4-5 years

Interim & Executive Management

City Hackney

Province Hackney

Postal Code E2

Job Description

1 year contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• The London Borough of Hackney is seeking an experienced Planning Lawyer to join its Legal & Governance Services within the Chief Executive's Directorate.
• The role involves managing a varied caseload of routine and complex legal matters with minimal supervision, providing high-quality legal advice to council services, and representing the Council in courts, tribunals, and external forums.
• The successful candidate will support the Council's strategic objectives while working collaboratively within an ambitious and modern legal team.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Manage a caseload of routine and non-routine legal matters with minimal supervision.
• Provide clear, consistent, and accurate legal advice to Council services.
• Undertake advocacy on behalf of the Council in courts and tribunals.
• Draft complex legal documents, reports, and formal correspondence.
• Research, analyse, and interpret legislation, case law, and policy.
• Advise Members, senior officers, and stakeholders on legal, governance, and procedural matters.
• Deliver legal briefings, seminars, and training sessions as required.
• Maintain case files in line with Lexcel, Law Society, and internal practice management standards.
• Use the case management system effectively and achieve chargeable hours targets.
• Supervise junior staff when required.
• Attend and represent the Council at committees, external meetings, and working groups (including evenings when necessary).
• Contribute to service improvement, corporate objectives, and a customer-focused legal service.

Skills/Experience:

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister (England & Wales), or Fellow of CILEX.
• Proven experience managing complex and high-volume legal caseloads.
• Strong background in Planning Law and local government legal services.
• Experience providing legal advice within a public sector or local authority environment.
• Advocacy experience in courts and tribunals.
• Excellent legal drafting, research, and analytical skills.
• Experience using legal case management systems.
• Ability to meet chargeable hours and performance targets.
• Strong understanding of local government governance and procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a legal team.

Additional Information:

• The closing date: 13/02/2026.
• Location: London Borough of Hackney.
• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister (England & Wales), or Fellow of CILEX.