Senior Legal Officer - Planning - Local Authority

Senior Legal Officer - Planning

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• Hourly Rate: £50 to £55 (via umbrella)
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• Location: City centre of Doncaster / Hybrid working
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• Job Type: Interim, full time hours
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We are seeking a Senior Legal Officer to join the Planning Department at the City of Doncaster Council. This role is pivotal in providing expert legal support, advice, and advocacy primarily focusing on housing litigation, including housing disrepair civil claims, possession, and housing injunction work. The successful candidate will also support complex legal matters alongside the Head of Service and Principal Legal Officers.

Day-to-day of the role:

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• Specialist Legal Support: Deliver legal advice and support in areas such as Town and Country Planning, Highway Law, and Compulsory Purchase.
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• Legal Advice and Representation: Provide high-quality, timely legal advice to the Council, council officers, and elected members through written and oral formats, conducting legal proceedings, and drafting essential legal documentation like Section 106 Agreements and Enforcement Notices.
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• Advocacy: Act as an advocate before courts, tribunals, inquiries, and internal boards and panels.
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• Deputising Responsibilities: Provide cover and act on behalf of the Head of Service, Principal Legal Officers, and other Senior Legal Officers when necessary.
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• Training and Knowledge Sharing: Design and deliver training programmes to legal team members, council officers, partners, and elected members to ensure up-to-date legal knowledge.
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Required Skills & Qualifications:

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• Professional Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor admitted to the Supreme Court, a Barrister, or a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), all with a current practising certificate.
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• Legal Knowledge: Strong knowledge of Planning Law and understanding of the legislative framework within Local Government.
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• Experience: Proven experience in advocacy and working successfully with both internal and external partners.
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• Professional Skills: High-standard drafting skills, strong negotiating skills, effective presentation skills, and excellent communication skills.
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• Commercial and Service Awareness: Clear understanding of the importance of Value for Money in service delivery.
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Benefits:

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• Competitive hourly rate.
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• Opportunity to work within a dynamic team and contribute to significant council projects.
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• Exposure to a variety of legal disciplines within the public sector.
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To apply for the Senior Legal Officer - Planning position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications.