Location
Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, Westminster.

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£64,815 per annum

About the Role
Join Bi Borough Legal Services, a collaboration between Westminster City Council and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and play a key role in shaping one of the world’s most dynamic cities. As a Lawyer within the Planning, Licensing and Highways Team, you will undertake licensing work for both boroughs, advising on a uniquely diverse and high-profile portfolio of licensed premises. Westminster is the largest licensing authority in the country, with work spanning from Soho’s vibrant night-time economy to major cultural and sporting events. Your role will involve providing legal advice to Licensing Sub Committees on a rota basis, attending hearings in person, and handling a varied, fast-paced, and intellectually challenging caseload.

You will be part of a close-knit, experienced team committed to developing talent and delivering excellent legal advice to Members and clients. This role offers the opportunity to build a long-term career in licensing, highways, and planning law, even if you are not yet a specialist in licensing. You will contribute to decisions that attract national media attention and help shape best practice across the country. The role also involves advising on highways matters including pavement licence applications, highway notices, and stopping up orders, as well as Assets of Community Value applications and reviews.

Westminster City Council values integrity, responsibility, and diversity, and is committed to continuous improvement and innovation within Legal Services.

Experience
- Advising on applications under the Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005, including Sexual Entertainment Venues.
- Providing clear, confident legal advice to Members at Licensing Sub Committee hearings.
- Drafting high quality written advice, summaries, and full decisions that withstand scrutiny.
- Advising on licensing policy.
- Conducting licensing appeals in the Magistrates’ Court.
- Handling highways matters such as pavement licence applications, highway notices, and stopping up orders.
- Managing judicial reviews and statutory appeals related to licensing and highways.
- Advising on enforcement matters and expedited reviews.

About You
You will bring sound judgement, professionalism, and a strong commitment to public service. You are ready to undertake a wide range of routine and complex legal cases, some of which will be high profile, politically sensitive, and financially significant. You are capable of drafting and advising on key decisions for senior Council members and committees, ensuring compliance with procedural and standing order requirements. You are proactive in maintaining proper records and keeping the team’s case management system and database up to date. You are motivated to contribute actively to continuous improvement, innovation, and Lexcel accreditation within Legal Services.

We welcome candidates with planning or highways experience who want to develop expertise in licensing law. You will be supported by a highly experienced team that values knowledge sharing and professional growth.

Qualifications
Qualified lawyer with relevant experience in licensing, planning, or highways law is preferred. Commitment to ongoing professional development and public service is essential.