Job Description

Lawyer - Planning, Highways, and Property

Salary Grade: 45,718-48,710 (7k Market Rate)

Make an Impact Where It Matters

At Halton, we are dedicated to delivering outstanding outcomes for our communities, and we need passionate professionals to help drive our vision forward. Our Legal Services Directorate plays a vital role in protecting the interests of the Council, offering expert legal, corporate, and constitutional support across a wide range of services.

Joining our team means aligning with our core values:

Working Together

- Building strong relationships with colleagues and customers

Continuous Improvement

- Always striving for excellence in service delivery

Personal Growth

- Investing in your development and career progression

Accountability

- Keeping promises and delivering results

Inspiring Leadership

- Leading by example and setting high standards
Our team culture is one of collaboration, expertise, and meaningful impact. When asked what makes Halton a great place to work, the most common response from employees was

"our colleagues."

Why Choose Halton?

We offer an exceptional benefits package, including:

Generous annual leave starting at 34 days per year, increasing with long service Membership of a defined benefit, salary-linked pension scheme with excellent employer contributions Life cover equal to three times your salary through the Local Government Pension Scheme Continuous investment in your personal development Free parking at HBC sites Flexible and hybrid working arrangements Car leasing schemes Essential monthly car user allowance
The Role

As a

Lawyer in Planning, Highways, and Property

, you will play a key role in safeguarding the Council's interests while providing legal advice and expertise in critical areas such as infrastructure development, property transactions, and highway regulations. Your guidance will ensure that Halton continues to thrive while meeting its legal obligations efficiently and effectively.

Key responsibilities include:

Providing legal support to the Planning and Highways departments, managing litigation, appeals, judicial reviews, and statutory reviews Advising officers and elected members on statute, case law, and policy related to development management, enforcement, and highways functions Drafting and negotiating Section 106 agreements, unilateral agreements, Section 278 agreements, and Section 38 agreements Drafting property legal documentation to facilitate housing and regeneration projects, including strategic advice on compulsory purchase matters Keeping up to date with changes in the law to ensure clients receive timely and responsive legal support Delivering training sessions for members, officers, and legal services staff, while participating in national and regional discussions on service improvements Providing legal and procedural advice to Council boards, committees, and members to ensure decisions are made effectively Representing Halton in meetings and collaborative engagements with stakeholders and partners Supporting the development of practice standards within Legal Services and ensuring compliance with corporate policies
This is a fantastic opportunity to work at the heart of legal decision-making while influencing major projects that shape the future of our communities.

About You

To thrive in this role, you will need:

A recognised legal qualification as a

Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive

Experience in

planning law and highways law

Expertise in drafting

Section 106 agreements

Preferably, experience advising officers, committees, and members in a local government setting Knowledge of

Section 278 and Section 38 agreements

Ideally, experience in

property law

Strong negotiation, advocacy, and communication skills The ability to build productive relationships with clients and stakeholders A proactive approach to problem-solving, with a commitment to ongoing professional development Advanced IT skills, including proficiency with legal and business software
Since this role requires regular travel within the borough and beyond, a valid

UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

are essential requirements.

Halton Borough Council and its schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults. We expect all staff, workers, and volunteers to share this commitment.

Are you ready to take your career to the next level in a dynamic and supportive environment?

Apply now and be part of a team that makes a real difference.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 45,000.00-48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking Referral programme
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Application question(s):

Do you have experience with 106/207 agreements?
Work Location: On the road