Legal Officer

Job Description

3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Title: Legal Officer (Highway Planning project)

Job Purpose

To provide professional legal advice, guidance, and representation to the Council and other customers of Legal Services, with a primary focus on Planning, Highways, Rights of Way, and major projects. The postholder will undertake legal casework, support service delivery, and contribute to the effective operation of the Legal Services function, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, policies, procedures, and professional standards.

The role requires the provision of timely, pragmatic, and customer-focused legal support while contributing to service improvement, knowledge sharing, and the achievement of departmental objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advice and Case Management

• Provide legal advice and guidance on matters relating to Planning, Highways, Rights of Way, and other legal disciplines as directed.
  
• Manage and progress legal casework efficiently and professionally within agreed timescales.
  
• Draft, review, and advise on legal documents, agreements, reports, notices, and related documentation.
  
• Support senior legal colleagues on complex cases, projects, and corporate initiatives.
  
• Undertake legal research and prepare written opinions where required.
  

Representation and Advocacy

• Represent the Council and its customers in legal proceedings, hearings, inquiries, tribunals, meetings, and negotiations as appropriate.
  
• Attend internal and external meetings to provide legal advice and support.
  
• Liaise with Counsel, solicitors, external agencies, and other stakeholders where necessary.
  

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, professional standards, and Council policies.
  
• Comply with internal procedures, protocols, and quality standards.
  
• Escalate legal, operational, or service delivery risks to managers promptly.
  
• Maintain awareness of developments in legislation, case law, and professional practice relevant to the role.
  

Service Improvement and Development

• Contribute to the development and implementation of legal policies, procedures, and best practices.
  
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, service delivery, and customer outcomes.
  
• Deliver legal training, guidance, and knowledge-sharing sessions to colleagues and clients where appropriate.
  
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within Legal Services.
  

Teamwork and Customer Service

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues, clients, elected members, and external stakeholders.
  
• Work collaboratively across teams and departments to achieve service objectives.
  
• Provide a high standard of customer-focused service and respond effectively to customer needs.
  
• Contribute positively to team performance and organisational objectives.
  

Experience

Essential

• Recent experience providing legal advice and support within a legal practice, local authority, public sector, or similar environment.
  
• Experience of managing and prioritising a varied workload effectively.
  
• Experience of working collaboratively within a team environment.
  
• Experience of delivering high standards of customer service.
  

Desirable

• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  
• Planning Law
  
• Highways Law
  
• Rights of Way
  
• Local Government Law
  
• Major Projects and Development Work
  
• Experience of attending and supporting legal proceedings, hearings, inquiries, or committee meetings.
  
• Experience of drafting legal documents and providing legal opinions.
  

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to A-Level standard or equivalent relevant experience.
  
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
  

Desirable

• Law Degree (LLB) or equivalent legal qualification.
  
• Graduate Legal Qualification or equivalent professional legal training.
  
• Membership of a relevant professional body.
  
• Legal practice qualification (Solicitor, Barrister, CILEX or equivalent).
  

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Strong legal research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation, regulations, and legal guidance.
  
• Effective time management and organisational skills.
  
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
  
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
  
• Commitment to excellent customer service.
  
• Understanding of confidentiality and professional ethics.
  

Desirable

• Knowledge of Planning, Highways, Rights of Way, or Local Government Law.
  
• Understanding of Local Authority governance and decision-making processes.
  
• Awareness of public sector legal and regulatory frameworks.
  

Key Accountabilities

• Deliver legal services to a high professional standard in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
  
• Meet agreed service, business plan, and individual performance objectives.
  
• Deliver legal work effectively within available resources and budget constraints.
  
• Contribute to improved customer satisfaction and service performance.
  
• Maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders.
  
• Promote continuous improvement and efficient service delivery.
  
• Undertake any additional duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.
  

Additional Information

• Pay Rate: £20.18 per hour (Limited/Umbrella)
  
• Location: Loughborough Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 7QP, United Kingdom
  
• Working Arrangement: Hybrid working with attendance at the office as required.
  
• Work Pattern: Office attendance required when dealing with hard copy documentation, legal completions, and other business-critical activities requiring a physical presence.
  
• Hours: Full-time hours (in line with service requirements).
  
• Flexibility: Candidates must be able to attend the office at short notice when required to support service delivery.
  
• Professional Environment: Opportunity to work within a busy Legal Services team supporting planning, highways, rights of way, and major project work.
  
• Casework Exposure: The role offers exposure to a varied caseload and the opportunity to work with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Start Date: Immediate start available (subject to pre-employment checks).
  
• Contract Type: Limited/Umbrella engagement.
  
• Travel: Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings, hearings, or legal proceedings where necessary.
  
• Payment: Bi-weekly payment schedule
  
• Start Date: Immediate start available
  
• Closing Date: soon (early applications encouraged)
  

Requirements
• Provide legal advice and guidance on matters relating to Planning, Highways, Rights of Way, and other legal disciplines as directed. • Manage and progress legal casework efficiently and professionally within agreed timescales. • Draft, review, and advise on legal documents, agreements, reports, notices, and related documentation.