Highways Solicitor

HIGHWAYS LAWYER - 2+ years PQE - Urgent Requirement

Locum role | 6+mons | Contract | Essex | £85 per hour (Inside IR35)

A highly regarded and forward-thinking local authority is seeking an experienced Highways Lawyer (minimum 2 years’ PQE) to support a high-profile interim assignment with an immediate start. Candidates must demonstrate proven experience across highways, regeneration, and planning work.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a busy and collaborative legal team, advising on complex highways, regeneration, and planning matters that directly impact major infrastructure and development projects across the region.

• Rate: £85 per hour
• Contract Length: Initial 6+ months (with strong potential for extension)
• Working Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days per week in office)
• Start: ASAP

Role Overview

You will play a key role in delivering high-quality legal advice across a broad portfolio of work, including:

• Highways Law:
  • Advising on highway agreements (including s.38 and s.278), road adoption, stopping up and diversion orders, and general highways legislation and disputes
• Planning & Development:
  • Supporting planning teams with legal input on development proposals, enforcement matters, and associated agreements
• Providing legal advice on regeneration initiatives, infrastructure delivery, land assembly, and partnership arrangements
• Drafting & Negotiation:
  • Preparing and negotiating complex legal agreements with developers, contractors, and stakeholders
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Working closely with internal departments and external partners to deliver commercially focused legal solutions

Candidate Profile

• Qualified Solicitor / Legal Executive / Barrister
• Strong experience in local government law, particularly highways and planning
• Proven ability to manage a varied caseload within a fast-paced environment
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and advisory skills
• Ability to hit the ground running with minimal supervision

Why Apply

• High-impact role working on significant infrastructure and regeneration projects
• Competitive hourly rate
• Flexible hybrid working model
• Opportunity to work within a well-established and supportive local authority team