Principal Lawyer (Planning)

Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1RL

£45,490 - £47,516 pa

37 hours a week

If you're an adaptable and highly organised solicitor or fellow chartered legal executive with experience of planning law and practice, you could play a key role at Horsham District Council.

We are looking for a creative and proactive Principal Lawyer (Planning) to join our dynamic Legal Services Department.  Assisting the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, you will provide an efficient and economic legal service to the council in all matters pertaining to planning law and practice.

As one of our go-to experts in the area, you will manage your own caseload, giving legal advice in relation to planning matters, assist with and provide advice in this specialist field, as well as supervising junior staff work activities.  You will also be willing to assist with planning litigation and provide attendance at planning committees.

To succeed as Principal Lawyer (Planning), you will be able to deal effectively with a range of people from different backgrounds using clear, concise, modern and authoritative communication skills. You will have a systematic approach to your work and the proven ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.  Furthermore, you will be a confident IT user, someone who's committed to continuous professional development and who's able to communicate effectively with colleagues and be an excellent team player.

   Your main responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to the delivery of corporate objectives, and to the collective leadership, development, strategic goals and management of the organisation.
• Helping to build a culture of high performance by encouraging collaborative working, learning and excellence, and seeking out opportunities for improvements through evaluation.
• Ensuring that duties are carried out in compliance with statutory processes, corporate policies and the council's constitution.
• Assisting in the management of resources.

Experience of working in a local government legal practice and of dealing with council members is desirable although not essential and ideally you will be able to demonstrate some knowledge of local government structure.

Ref: CR1278

To apply and for more details please visit our website.

Closing date:  14 May 2018 (midday)

Interviews:     24 May 2018