Kirklees Council
Principal Lawyer - Planning and Highways

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Organisation
Kirklees
Directorate
Public Health and Corporate Resources
Service Area
Governance & Commissioning
Hours
37
Number of Jobs
1
Location(s)
Huddersfield and surrounding areas
Position type
Permanent
Grade
Grade 14 - 15
Salary
£51,356 to £56,494 + £3000 Market Rate Supplement
Advert Wording
Do you want to make a difference to local people?
As one of the largest legal practices in the area, our dedicated Legal Service teams strive to get the best outcomes for people in Kirklees.
The team
The Planning and Highways team handle a wide range of planning, highways, rights of way and environmental matters supporting our ambition for a sustainable and prosperous Kirklees.
The role
You will be one of the lead lawyers in the team providing advice to officers and elected members. Examples of matters you will deal with include s106 and 278 agreements, complex and routine planning and highways advice, public enquiries, advice on planning enforcement and public law.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Development
If you are ambitious to develop your knowledge in this specialist area and develop your management and leadership skills this is the job for you.
Your Skills And Experience
You will be a qualified Solicitor holding a current practising certificate, Barrister or a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives. You will have substantial recent experience at a senior level of planning law and practice and/ or highways law obtained in England and Wales, and experience or the aptitude to develop skills in public rights of way and local government law.
Your Benefits
Kirklees Council offers these benefits to all its employees:
- 27.5 days annual leave increasing to 32.5 after 5 years’ service (plus bank holidays).
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Travel and parking discounts.
- Exceptional Maternity and Paternity leave policies.
- Exceptional Local Government Pension benefits.
- Access to Employee Healthcare that offers a range of services from counselling to physiotherapy and health assessments.
- Hybrid and flexible working.


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Learn more about
If you would like to have an informal discussion about this role, please telephone John Chapman Head of Legal Services 01484 221 000.
John Chapman is the manager for this role, please contact them on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion, or if you need any more information.
We know there’s a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. So, if you need any support completing an application form, or any other format for the application or Job Description please contact the Recruitment Team for help by email: or phone: 01484 221000 and ask for ‘Recruitment’.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We encourage you to read our
Closing date
30 September 2026, 11:55 PM
Important Information
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