Role Purpose
To provide professional/technical advice to officers, heads of department, colleagues and Councillors, in respect of planning, property and highway matters, in particular advising on major urban redevelopment projects, property acquisitions, public-private partnerships, appropriation and compulsory purchase orders

Responsibilities

Advice planning officers on major planning applications and redevelopment projects
Advice officers on compulsory purchase and appropriation
Attend planning committee and licensing hearings
Where necessary, to assist the Head of Law and/or Assistant Director of Director with complex and high-profile matters relating to Planning or Property matters.
To provide advice on the monitoring officer duties and on the risk to the Council in respect of any legal implications arising from matters dealt with by the team.
Handle proceedings, public inquires, appeals and judicial reviews in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Tribunals
Ensure that proper records are maintained relating to all work undertaken.
To instruct Counsel and/or external solicitors in accordance with the Service's protocol.
Ensure your actions and decisions align with the Council's declaration of a climate and ecological emergency.
Requirements 

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX entitled to practice in England and Wales
Experience of dealing with complex and/or high-profile Property and Regeneration cases
Negotiating and drafting complex planning agreements and highway agreements and advise on major development schemes including the Council's own redevelopment projects ( including legal advice and drafting of legal documents relating to property transactions)
Ability to negotiate and draft complex legal agreements and deliver expert legal advice orally and in writing with a proven ability to provide practical, professional and straight forward solutions in delivering major strategic regeneration projects.
Have a track record of advising on Regeneration and Planning law
A solid track record of providing proactive, expert, timely and authoritative legal advice and support to senior leaders and key decision-makers at the highest levels
Ability to provide visible support and leadership which empowers, enables and develops staff to achieve results