Job Description

Principal Solicitor – Planning & Highways

Salary: Up to £56,407 (including £3k market supplement)

Hybrid: Hybrid – with significant remote working

Hours: Full-time or Part-time

As a Principal Solicitor in the Planning and Highways team, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of one of the UK’s largest and most diverse local authorities. This is your opportunity to guide key initiatives, ensuring our region thrives sustainably and efficiently.

About Kirklees

Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, Kirklees is a thriving community encompassing vibrant towns like Huddersfield and Dewsbury. As the 13th largest local authority in the UK, our ambitious plans for a greener, more prosperous future are driven by a dedicated workforce that values kindness, innovation, and collaboration.

Why This Role?

Lead with Purpose: You’ll be a key advisor, offering your expertise in planning, highways, and environmental law. Your counsel will directly influence decisions that shape our region’s future.
Innovate and Influence: Work closely with elected members, senior officers, and across multiple teams. You’ll not only advise but also drive forward complex projects that demand innovative legal solutions.
Professional Growth: Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise in planning law or enhance your leadership skills, this role provides unparalleled exposure to high-level local government governance.
Hybrid Flexibility: Embrace the balance between remote and in-office work, with significant opportunities to work from home while staying connected to your team and the community.

What’s in It for You?

Competitive Salary: Up to £56,407 (including £3,000 market supplement)
Generous Leave: 27.5 days of annual leave, increasing to 32.5 after 5 years, plus bank holidays.
Pension & Wellbeing: Benefit from the Local Government Pension Scheme and access to a comprehensive employee healthcare program.
Career Development: From a thorough induction to ongoing personal development opportunities, we’re committed to helping you grow.
Work-Life Balance: Enjoy hybrid working with the flexibility to manage your workday.

Your day to day

You will be one of the lead lawyers in the team providing advice to officers and elected members. Examples of matters you will deal with include s106 and 278 agreements, complex and routine planning and highways advice, public enquiries, advice on planning enforcement and public law.

What You Bring

You are a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives, with experience in planning law. Your background allows you to confidently manage complex legal matters and supervise junior colleagues.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re passionate about making a difference and eager to take on a challenging, high-impact role, we’d love to hear from you.

Kirklees Council

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