At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to provide strategic planning advice and manage complex legal agreements.
- Company: A national law firm with a diverse client base, including developers and government bodies.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while developing your own caseload in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor with 3+ years of experience in planning and highways law.
- Other info: Work from various locations including London, Reading, Southampton, or Cardiff.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for a planning Solicitor with 3+ years PQE to join our national team working in London. The team acts for a broad client base including residential and mixed use developers, a leading discount retailer, corporate occupiers, contractors, charities, investors, funders, the NHS, local authorities and Government bodies.
Your work will include providing strategic and tactical advice on securing planning permission, drafting and negotiating statutory agreements, undertaking due diligence in relation to the planning aspects of real estate, funding and corporate transactions. Advising on special protection areas, Assets of Community Value and Village Greens. You will be involved with auditing planning application documents and committee reports to assist clients with risk management, appeals, judicial review and enforcement. Your work will also cover highways advice. You should have a good knowledge of EIA, CIL and GLA planning.
You will have the opportunity to develop your own caseload as well as working closely with senior members of the Firm on a range of development related matters. You will be expected to be involved in business development and marketing activities and encouraged to develop a network of contacts both internally and externally.
The successful candidate may be based out of our Reading, London, Southampton or Cardiff office on a hybrid basis. Team members currently attend the office 2-3 days each week.
Skills / Experience Required
- Applicants must be qualified to practise in England and Wales with a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience.
- You must also be able to evidence:
- Extensive experience in planning and highways law
- Experience of drafting of complex sc 106 Agreements, highway agreements, land development agreements, complex planning due diligence reports
- Experience of working on planning led regeneration projects
- Experience of advising on planning judicial review
- Experience of conducting planning appeals and presenting at planning committees
- Expert technical expertise and analytical skills
- A track record of successful practice development
- Excellent communication skills and able to explain complex matters to clients without a legal background
Planning Lawyer employer: Blake Morgan LLP
Contact Detail:
Blake Morgan LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the planning law sector. Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to meet potential colleagues and clients. Building relationships can lead to referrals and insider knowledge about job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current planning legislation and case law. Being knowledgeable about recent changes will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider joining relevant professional associations or groups. Membership can provide access to exclusive job listings, resources, and networking opportunities that are specifically tailored to planning law.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising how to explain complex legal concepts in simple terms. This skill is crucial for a Planning Lawyer, as you’ll often need to communicate with clients who may not have a legal background.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in planning and highways law. Include specific examples of your work on planning led regeneration projects, drafting complex agreements, and conducting planning appeals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the firm. Discuss your experience with strategic advice on securing planning permission and your ability to communicate complex legal matters to clients without a legal background.
Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your analytical skills and technical expertise in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed risk in planning applications and your involvement in business development activities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the legal field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blake Morgan LLP
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your extensive experience in planning and highways law. Highlight specific cases where you've successfully drafted complex agreements or conducted planning appeals, as this will demonstrate your expertise and suitability for the role.
✨Understand the Client Base
Familiarise yourself with the diverse client base that the firm serves, including developers, local authorities, and charities. Being able to speak knowledgeably about their needs and how you can address them will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Business Development Skills
Since the role involves business development and marketing activities, think of examples where you've successfully built a network or contributed to practice development. This shows that you're not just a legal expert but also someone who can help grow the firm's client base.
✨Communicate Complex Matters Simply
Prepare to explain complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner. The ability to communicate effectively with clients who may not have a legal background is crucial, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely.