Senior Solicitor - AR

Posted 14 hours ago by Carrington Blake Recruitment

Permanent
Full Time
Other
Nottinghamshire, Kirkby-in-ashfield, United Kingdom, NG177
Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Solicitor (Planning, Litigation & Property)

Grade: Grade 11

Directorate: Legal and Planning

Division: Legal Services

Responsible to: Chief Solicitor and Deputy Monitoring Officer

Responsible for: No direct line management responsibility

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality legal advice and representation to the Council across a broad range of work including planning, litigation, housing, property, and general local government matters, covering both contentious and non-contentious legal work.

The post holder will act as a senior legal advisor and advocate, supporting Council services, Members, and committees, and representing the Council in court where required.

Key Responsibilities
  1. Legal Advice & Support
  • Provide clear, practical legal advice to Council officers, Members, and service areas.
  • Support directorates including Planning, Housing, Estates, Licensing, and Environmental Services.
  • Advise on legal risk, governance, and statutory compliance.
  1. Planning Law & Enforcement
  • Advise on planning matters including enforcement action and regulatory compliance.
  • Draft and negotiate Section 106 agreements and other planning obligations.
  • Support planning appeals and public inquiries.
  • Prepare and conduct prosecutions for planning and building control offences in the Magistrates' Court.
  1. Litigation & Court Work
  • Conduct litigation on behalf of the Council in the Magistrates' Court and County Court.
  • Undertake prosecutions including:
    • Planning and building regulation breaches
    • Housing possession claims
    • Welfare benefit fraud matters
  • Prepare legal documentation, witness statements, and case files.
  • Represent the Council as an advocate in court proceedings.
  1. Housing & Property Law
  • Advise on housing management issues including possession proceedings and tenancy disputes.
  • Deal with homelessness-related legal matters where required.
  • Handle property law matters including:
    • Conveyancing and Council land transactions
    • Right to Buy sales
    • Boundary disputes, easements, and adverse possession
  • Support compulsory purchase and land assembly work.
  1. Contracts & Commercial Agreements
  • Draft, review, and negotiate a range of legal agreements including:
    • Leases and licences
    • Tenancy and partnership agreements
    • Construction and commercial contracts
  • Undertake title investigations and legal due diligence.
  1. Regulatory & Committee Work
  • Provide legal advice at Council committee and sub-committee meetings.
  • Advise on licensing matters and attend licensing hearings when required.
  • Draft statutory orders including Off-Street Parking Orders and similar regulatory instruments.
  • Support the creation and management of Local Nature Reserves and other statutory designations.
  1. Enforcement & Regulatory Action
  • Advise on and support enforcement action including anti-social behaviour-related legal processes.
  • Assist with gathering and presenting evidence for court proceedings.
  • Draft and administer Simple Cautions and related enforcement tools.
  1. Governance & General Legal Work
  • Conduct legal research and provide advice on complex or novel legal issues.
  • Assist with Monitoring Officer functions as required.
  • Support corporate governance and decision making processes.
  1. Mentoring & Team Support
  • Provide guidance and informal support to junior legal staff.
  • Contribute to knowledge sharing and development within Legal Services.
Other Duties
  • Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade and nature of the post as required by the Chief Solicitor or Director of Legal and Planning.
  • Participate in training and continuous professional development.
Additional Requirements
  • Designated car user status applies to this post.
  • This is a politically restricted post.
  • Commitment to high standards of public service, equality, diversity, health and safety compliance.
Role Summary

This is a senior in house legal role within a local authority, combining planning law, litigation, housing, property, and regulatory work, requiring strong advocacy skills and the ability to manage a varied caseload across both contentious and non contentious matters.