Senior Planning Lawyer – Team Lead

About the role

Join a forward‑thinking legal team where your expertise in planning law helps shape the future of Staffordshire. As a Senior Planning Lawyer you will work within the County Council’s Legal Services, delivering high‑impact advice across a varied and high‑profile caseload.

Key responsibilities

• Advise on a full range of County Planning matters, including planning applications and enforcement.
• Negotiate complex planning obligations for highways and education clients.
• Provide expert advice on Local Authority statutory planning functions.
• Manage a varied and challenging caseload in line with Lexcel standards.
• Supervise and support colleagues within the planning team.

Required profile

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with practice/advocacy rights.
• Strong understanding of Planning Law.
• Insight into public‑sector work (local government experience welcomed but not essential).
• Clear, confident communication and excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Collaborative approach with effective delegation skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Generous holiday allowance that increases with service, plus the option to purchase additional leave.
• Agile, flexible and term‑time working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension Scheme with 29.5% employer contributions.
• Employee discounts, staff parking discounts and an optional car‑lease scheme.
• Family‑friendly policies including maternity, adoption, paternity and parental leave.
• A supportive, collaborative team culture where your contribution truly matters.