Location
London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham

Hours
Full Time - 36 hours per week

Salary
£74,802 per annum

About the Role
Help Shape the Future of Hillingdon. Hillingdon Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Deputy Principal Planning Lawyer to join our highly regarded Legal Services team. This senior role within our Planning Legal Team involves managing a complex and varied caseload while supporting the Head of Legal in leading the team and delivering a high-quality, customer-focused legal service.

Working closely with Members, senior officers, and Planning colleagues, you will provide expert legal advice on complex planning matters, represent the Council in court and at committees, and help ensure the Council delivers its strategic priorities while managing legal risk effectively.

Key responsibilities include managing a complex caseload of planning law matters from instruction through to completion, providing specialist legal advice on planning legislation, policy and governance, representing the Council through advocacy in Courts, Tribunals, Planning Committees and other hearings, drafting and reviewing a wide range of legal documentation, agreements and court papers, advising on Cabinet reports, policies and strategic planning projects, supporting and deputising for the Head of Legal when required, supervising and mentoring members of the Planning Legal Team, maintaining high professional standards in compliance with LEXCEL requirements and legal best practice, building strong working relationships with Members, officers, external organisations and other stakeholders, and contributing to service improvement, workforce development and continuous enhancement of Legal Services.

Experience
- Significant experience practising Planning Law
- Experience managing complex and high-profile planning matters
- Strong advocacy, drafting and negotiation skills
- Excellent knowledge of planning legislation, governance and local government practice
- Experience supervising or mentoring legal professionals

About you
- Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining high professional standards
- Collaborative approach and commitment to delivering excellent client service
- Experience within local government would be highly advantageous

Qualifications
- Qualified legal professional status required