Planning and Environment Senior Legal Adviser

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC621337
Salary Range: £47,430 - £52,375 per annum, plus Market Supplement of £4,500 per annum (depending on experience/qualification)  
Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 29 June 2025
Interview Date: w/c 7 July 2025
Please note applications will be reviewed once submitted, therefore this advert may close early depending on volumes of applications received.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Legal Adviser to join our Planning & Environment Legal team at Hampshire County Council.

Are you looking for a challenging and diverse role working as part of a friendly and supportive team, with an opportunity to make a real difference?

Join our friendly and supportive Lexcel accredited legal department, passionate about delivering the best for Hampshire and making a real difference to the community!

Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. Our large legal service supports all Hampshire County Council directorates and a wide range of other public service organisations. Working on matters that are as challenging as they are rewarding, you will advise on a range of interesting, varied, meaningful, high profile and complex projects at the very forefront of public interest, delivering improvements to people's lives.

The Role:

The role of Senior Legal Adviser in the Planning and Environment Team includes the provision of legal advice and representation to the County Council’s directorates, committees, members and other external partners and client bodies. Your role will not only increase the efficiency of the team but also that of the County Council as a whole and offers the unique level of support that comes with working within our well-respected team and Hampshire County Council generally.

What you’ll do:

You will join the Planning and Environment Team, working with colleagues in all Hampshire County Council directorates and third-party clients.

You will take responsibility for a large and varied casework, some of which may be complex planning work such as s.106, s.278 and s.38 agreements, legal research, public inquiries and offering assistance and mentoring to colleagues.

What we’re looking for:

We are looking for an in-house Planning and Environment Lawyer who must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive Lawyer (Fellow of CILEX) with a current practising certificate for England & Wales.

You will be successful in the role if you:

• are able to demonstrate sound legal skills and judgment; a pragmatic solution focussed approach; strong client relationship and communication skills; an ability to work on your own initiative.
• are a team player with strong collaborative skills; resilience and motivation; and an ability to prioritise effectively to meet strict deadlines.
• demonstrate core values of patience, empathy, and compassion.
• have sound IT skills and able to accurately record information.

Why join us?

Our benefits package includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi-time scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.

If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch!

Hampshire County Council is a modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment.

Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance.

Additional Information:

Planning and Environment Senior Legal Adviser Candidate Pack

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Caroline Stickland, Legal Team Leader on caroline.stickland@hants.gov.uk or Sheena Sayer, Legal Team Leader on sheena.sayer@hants.gov.uk  

No agencies please.