Location
160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH

Hours
Monday to Friday (36 hours per week). Part Time or Full Time - Flexibility to be discussed.

Salary
£57,495 per annum

About the Role
As a Planning Lawyer at Southwark Council, you will provide expert legal advice and support on all matters relating to planning and development. You will tackle complex legal challenges and provide expert advice to a wide range of stakeholders. Your responsibilities will include delivering strategic insights on planning issues and legislative impacts on council services, managing a diverse and stimulating caseload from the outset, advising committees, councillors, and officers on planning law, drafting and negotiating section 106, section 278, and section 38 agreements, assisting with planning appeals, judicial reviews, and enforcement matters, and ensuring compliance with Lexcel standards and best legal practices.

Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes and supporting a diverse and growing population. The council is committed to making the borough just and fair, tackling inequalities through initiatives such as Southwark Stands Together. You will join a motivated, driven, and supportive team that values excellence and offers a wide range of staff benefits including a local government pension scheme, competitive salary and pension, extensive training and development opportunities, and a benefits package valued at £2,327 per annum (pro rata) which can be used towards gym membership, health insurance, season ticket purchase, bicycle purchase, additional voluntary pension contributions, subscriptions, and professional fees.

This role offers flexible home working blended with travel into the London Bridge HQ, providing a supportive and rewarding working environment.

Experience
- A current practising certificate as an admitted Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (or eligibility to apply for one).
- Strong understanding of local government law, particularly in relation to planning and ideally highways.
- A good level of post-qualification experience in planning law or significant pre-qualification experience.
- Proven track record of managing a varied caseload and meeting performance targets.

About you
- Highly skilled and proactive with the ability to hit the ground running.
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
- Confident in managing risk using sound judgment and critical analysis.
- Embraces working with a diverse team within the legal service and across the council.
- Flexible and adaptable to a blended working model including home working and office attendance.

Qualifications
- Current practising certificate as Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (or eligibility to apply for one).