Locum Legal Services Team Leader – Planning & Environment, East Midlands Local Authority, 6-9 months initial contract  

An established Local Authority is seeking an experienced Planning Lawyer / Team Leader to join its Legal Services Division on a locum basis for an initial 6–9 month assignment starting March 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to lead a small, friendly and dedicated Planning & Environment team supporting a wide-ranging regulatory and licensing function within a busy Council environment.
 
The Role
Contract Length: 6–9 Month Contract | Commencing March 2026
Working Pattern: Full-Time (5 Days per Week Preferred)
Working Arrangement: Hybrid preferred, with one day a week in office, on a Wednesday
Rate: Up to £65 per hour (Flexibility for right candidate)
 
Key Responsibilities

• Managing, supervising and supporting Solicitors, Legal Executives, trainees and support staff
• Overseeing team performance and ensuring service delivery meets Council requirements
• Complex drafting work, particularly Section 106 Agreements
• Drafting and analysing Certificates of Lawful Use
• Advising on planning policy and strategic matters
• Attending and advising at Planning Committee
• Handling Planning Enforcement matters
• Providing clear, pragmatic legal advice to:
  • Councillors
  • Senior and departmental officers
  • Colleagues within Legal Services

 
Ideal Candidate
You will:

• Be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with 5+ years’ PQE
• Have strong planning law experience within a Local Authority setting
• Demonstrate proven team leadership or supervisory experience
• Be confident advising committees and senior stakeholders
• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Deliver concise, clear written and oral advice
• Be comfortable using Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom and case management systems
• Adhere to time recording practices

 
A collaborative approach and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced regulatory environment are essential.
 
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Planning Lawyer seeking a leadership-focused interim role within a supportive and well-established Local Authority legal team.
 
For a confidential discussion and further details, please contact Philippa Stoate or Ebby Vallance on 07441 916438 or email localgovlegal@venngroup.com
 
Ref No. J93744
 
Venn Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all candidates.
 
Locum Legal Services Team Leader – Planning & Environment, East Midlands Local Authority, 6-9 months initial contract