Overview
Reference: CCC00468
Description: We're Hiring: Senior Lawyer (Planning)
Join a dynamic legal team shaping the future of planning across Cambridge!
We’re excited to offer a new opportunity for a talented Senior Lawyer (Planning) to join our small, collaborative team within the 3C Shared Legal Service—serving Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, and Huntingdonshire District Council.
This is a pivotal time for our councils, with a portfolio of ambitious growth projects in and around Cambridge. You’ll play a key role in supporting these developments by providing expert legal advice on:
Development control
Listed buildings and conservation areas
Enforcement and planning inquiries
Planning agreements, notices, and compulsory purchase
You’ll work closely with officers, councillors, and senior leaders, offering clear, practical legal guidance and helping shape the region’s planning landscape.
We’re looking for someone with:
✅Substantial legal experience in planning law
✅A qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (or equivalent experience)
✅Strong drafting skills and the ability to lead on complex legal matters
✅A collaborative mindset and mentoring skills to support junior colleagues
Knowledge of local government procedures is desirable, you’ll be confident working independently and advising at all levels, including committees.
Additional Info
📍This post is politically restricted
🚗Travel across the three councils may be required
💼Hybrid working options available
In return we can offer:
A variety of learning and development opportunities via a range of sources and methods
Access to the highly valued Local Government Pension Scheme(LGPS)
Additional Voluntary Contribution (Shared AVC) Scheme
Agile and Flexible working
Annual leave purchasing scheme
Annually negotiated pay and award progression
Confidential advice and support via an Employee Assistance programme and Wellbeing Hub
Cycle to Work Scheme
Family friendly policies
Flexible Bank Holidays
Generous annual leave allowance 25 days’ per annum, rising to 30 days’ after five years continuous service; plus 8 days public holidays (pro rata for part time).
Gym Membership
Lifestyle Savings with over 750 discounts from the UK’s leading retailers, restaurants, supermarkets, attractions and more
Professional Membership Fees paid for, dependent on the role
Relocation Assistance may be payable in approved cases
Staff reward and recognition framework
Subsidy for public transport
Hours: This is a full-time role, for 37 hours per week.
Although the role is advertised as full time, if you believe you have the skills and experience to join us and would like to discuss different working patterns, please do get in touch.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £52,413 – £56,782 per annum (City Pay Band 8), pro rata for part time.
Location: This can be flexible – working in Cambridge on site or at one of our offices or working from home. You will be able to balance your work location accordingly depending on the priorities of your role and team.
More Information:
You can click on the links here to find out more information about Staff Pay and Benefits, Working for the Council, our Values & Behaviours, Equality & Diversity in Recruitmentor Our People & Culture Strategy.
If you would like an informal chat, please contact Richard Pitt on or email Richard.pitt@3csharedservices.org
Application Process:
To be considered for this role, please Click ‘Apply Online’ and submit an application.
Recruitment Timetable:
If you would like to be considered for this role, you will need to apply by 28 September 2025
**Cambridge City Council is an equal opportunityemployer and embraces diversity, creating an inclusive environment for all employees.**
Region:
Location:
Salary: *GBP*52,413 – *GBP*56,782 per annum (City Pay Band 8), pro rata for part time.
Package:
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Full time
