Legal work that stands up

At Swindon Borough Council (SBC), our in-house legal team supports a place with ambition, momentum and a clear sense of purpose.

The Council is a large unitary authority serving a growing town, well connected and surrounded by countryside. It is managing complex demand, supporting regeneration and making decisions that have real, visible impact on communities. The legal work that comes with that is varied, stretching and often high profile.

We are recruiting experienced lawyers across several specialist areas to strengthen our core legal capability and ensure the Council continues to act confidently, lawfully and well in achieving the best outcomes for residents and communities.

About us

We have a clear focus on delivery, good decision-making and continuous improvement, underpinned by sound governance and professional advice. That commitment was recognised last year when we were shortlisted for Most Improved Council of the Year, and our Chief Executive was shortlisted for CEO of the Year.

Our in-house legal service underpins all our work by providing clear, proportionate and trusted legal advice that helps the Council manage risk sensibly, make confident decisions and deliver for the people of Swindon.

We are an organisation that values judgement, integrity and professionalism. Our lawyers are trusted advisers, working closely with officers and elected members on work that genuinely shapes place, in an environment that supports a sustainable pace and a life outside work.

About the role

A role for a planning lawyer who wants their advice to shape place, not just process.

You will advise on a wide range of planning, highways and development matters, including committee work, enforcement and complex projects that are actively shaping Swindon’s future.

You will work closely with officers and elected members, be involved early in decision-making and be trusted to give clear, proportionate advice on politically sensitive and high-impact matters.

This role suits a lawyer who enjoys responsibility, understands the realities of local government decision-making and wants to practise planning law where it genuinely influences outcomes.

Legal work that keeps you credible

Our lawyers advise on matters that are often complex, politically sensitive and high impact. You will work closely with senior officers and elected members, be involved early, and be expected to give clear, proportionate advice that enables progress while managing risk.

As a Senior Lawyer specialising in Planning and Highways, you will handle a varied and high-profile caseload.

This is not narrow or repetitive in-house work; the role spans development management, planning obligations, enforcement, highways agreements, and public law issues, with involvement in major projects, committee work and challenges.

You will have the opportunity to shape the balance of your caseload over time, reflecting your strengths and interests. This is work that keeps skills sharp, offers real influence, and allows you to develop, broaden or refine your practice in line with experience.

A legal team built on trust

Alongside the quality of the work, the way we operate matters.

We operate a professional and supportive legal service, where lawyers are trusted to manage their caseloads, apply their judgement and provide clear advice.

Specialism is respected, collaboration is the norm, and flexibility is part of how we work.

You must be fluent in the English language (as a requirement of Part 7 of the Immigration Act “for the effective performance of a customer-facing role”).

Closing date: 3 March 2026

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.