Planning Lawyer

Job Title: Planning Lawyer
Location: Islington Council (Hybrid - 1 day per week in office)
Contract Type: Temporary (Initial 3+ months, with potential extension)
Hours: 35 per week (Full-time, flexible working)
Rate: £280 per day
IR35 Status: Inside IR35

We are working with Islington Council to recruit a skilled and motivated Planning Lawyer to join their Planning Law Team. This hybrid role offers a fantastic opportunity to support vital development work across the borough while enjoying flexible working and a dynamic public-sector environment.

Planning & Development Law:

Deliver expert legal advice on all aspects of planning, highways, and traffic law, including drafting section 106 agreements and advising on planning appeals.

Contentious Work:

Manage planning disputes including judicial reviews and enforcement matters, and prepare instructions and briefs for Counsel when required.

Governance & Committees:

Support the council's planning committees, ensuring legal compliance and robust decision-making.

Project Support:

Participate in major development project meetings, coordinate with stakeholders and external legal advisers, and manage a diverse legal caseload.

Compliance & Standards:

Ensure adherence to GDPR, health and safety regulations, and internal legal practice standards, including effective use of case management systems.

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (minimum 3 years PQE)

• Strong knowledge of planning (contentious and non-contentious), highways, traffic, and local government law

• Experience with drafting and negotiating section 106 and highways agreements

• Comfortable advising at planning committees and dealing with complex planning litigation

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Proficient in legal case management systems and Microsoft Office

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities

• Local authority or public sector experience

• Familiarity with large-scale or strategic development projects

• Confidence in delivering legal training or updates

If you're ready to take the next step in your legal career and contribute to meaningful development in one of London's most vibrant boroughs, we want to hear from you.