Legal Counsel - Infrastructure (DCO, Planning & Property)

A little bit about us

East West Rail is an infrastructure programme connecting communities between Oxford and Cambridge, a region currently underserved by transport. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change that, improving prosperity for people and places along the way.

East West Railway Company (EWR Co) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee the design and delivery of East West Rail, from design and construction through to services running, making sure the railway comes together in the right way. The programme is projected to deliver a £6.7 billion annual boost to the regional economy by 2050.

Role Summary
This is a key role within EWR Co's Legal team, supporting the development and delivery of East West Rail and advising across development consent, planning, land and property, compulsory acquisition, stakeholder management and wider infrastructure workstreams.
We are looking for a lawyer who is comfortable taking ownership of complex matters and giving clear, practical advice in a fast-paced delivery environment. The issues we face are often complicated, novel and interconnected. A land matter may also engage other areas such as the DCO, consents, environmental, public law, utilities, programme, governance and stakeholder considerations. You will recognise these connections, identify the issues that matter and provide advice that supports construction delivery and effective engagement with landowners, communities, public bodies and other stakeholders.

You will have access to specialist external legal support where appropriate. We expect our in-house lawyers to take ownership of the matter, develop a thorough understanding of the issues, bridge any gaps and coordinate across teams, translating legal advice into clear decisions and practical next steps for EWR Co.

Function
EWR Legal is a collaborative function operating at the centre of a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). The team provides end-to-end legal support across the full project lifecycle, from development and consenting through to delivery and operations, working closely with senior leadership, delivery teams and external advisers.
We operate as an embedded legal function, with legal advice integrated into programme decision-making, governance and key project milestones. The Legal team sits within the Corporate Services function and plays a key role in effective governance, risk management and delivery across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:
- Provide practical, risk-based legal advice across DCO, planning, consents, land and property workstreams.
- Advise on land matters including compulsory purchase, temporary possession, blight, Need to Sell (NTS), early acquisition, compensation and land access.
- Advise on planning, environmental and other regulatory issues arising in connection with the programme.
- Advise on the interaction between DCO powers, land rights, utilities, consenting and programme delivery.
- Take ownership of complex matters, identifying legal risks and providing clear recommendations and practical routes forward for the EWR Project.
- Work closely with delivery teams and other EWR Co functions so that legal issues and dependencies are identified and addressed early.
- Assist on complex stakeholder and landowner matters where legal, public law, equality, governance or reputational considerations arise.
- Instruct, manage and challenge external legal advisers, ensuring advice is proportionate, practical and represents value for money.
- Contribute to the Legal team's know-how by developing guidance, processes and ways of working that enable efficient programme delivery.
- Act in line with EWR Co's Ways of Working and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

Essential Criteria You will bring:
- Qualification as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.
- A background as a lawyer working on major infrastructure projects.
- Experience across several of the following: planning and consents, compulsory purchase, land acquisition, land access, environmental law and public law.
- The legal judgement and confidence to take ownership of complex matters, form a view and give a clear recommendation.
- An understanding of how legal issues interact with programme delivery, commercial considerations, stakeholders and wider project risks.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and work with complexity and ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.
- Clear, pragmatic communication that translates complex legal issues into practical advice for non-lawyers and senior stakeholders.
- Familiarity with instructing and managing external legal advisers, with a focus on quality and value for money.
- A collaborative approach to teamwork that supports effective delivery and continuity of legal services to the organisation.
Desirable Criteria It would also be great if you have:
- Experience of working on DCOs, NSIPs or other significant consenting regimes.

Benefits

- Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience
- Up to 12% employer pension contribution to support your future
- 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) plus the option to buy up to 2 extra days
- 2 volunteering days, a chance for you to give back to the community
- Enhanced family-friendly policies to support you and your loved ones
- Life assurance (4x your annual salary) for peace of mind
- Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support when you need it
- Access to Perkbox for a wide range of discounts and wellbeing benefits
- Recognition programme, including on-the-spot and annual awards
- Advanced learning and development opportunities to help you grow.
Diversity and Inclusion:

At East West Railway Company, we’re committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple - to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from all backgrounds and experiences.

If you want to connect lives and unlock the future, then we’d love to hear from you.