Senior Legal Officer - Planning; Locum

Overview

Role: Senior Legal Officer - Planning (Locum)

Location: South Yorkshire (Hybrid / Local Authority)

Rate: £50 - £55 per hour

Contract: Interim / Locum until end of April 2026

CRA Consulting is working with a well-established South Yorkshire local authority seeking an experienced Senior Legal Officer (Planning) to provide high-level legal support across a broad and varied public sector workload. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned local government lawyer to step into a senior, visible role, advising on complex planning and highways matters while supporting wider corporate objectives.

Working under the direction of the Head of Litigation and Regulatory Services, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality legal advice across planning-related matters, supporting officers and elected members alike. The role offers a mix of advisory, drafting, advocacy, and leadership responsibilities, making it ideal for an experienced planning solicitor, barrister, or legal executive seeking a well-remunerated locum assignment.

• Providing legal advice across Town and Country Planning, Highway Law (including footpaths), and Compulsory Purchase
• • Drafting and advising on:
  • Section 106 agreements
  • Enforcement notices
  • Planning injunctions
  • Reports and court documentation
• Conducting advocacy before Courts, Tribunals, Inquiries, and internal Panels
• Deputising for senior colleagues where required
• Delivering training to legal colleagues, council officers, partners, and elected members
• Managing matters in line with internal policies, procedures, and case management systems

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with a current practising certificate
• Strong working knowledge of Planning Law within a local authority setting
• Proven advocacy experience
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
• Sound understanding of the local government legislative framework
• Experience working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• A pragmatic, value-driven approach to public sector legal services

• £50 - £55 per hour
• Senior-level, autonomous locum role
• Interesting and varied planning-focused caseload
• Opportunity to work at the heart of a busy local authority legal team
• Hybrid working potential (subject to service needs)

For a confidential discussion or to be considered, contact:

Rob Addy
Director - Legal Recruitment
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#Locum Solicitor #Planning Law #Local Authority Jobs  #Public Sector Legal  #Planning Solicitor #Legal Locum #CRAConsulting