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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on planning applications and manage appeals for high-profile projects.
- Company: Join a reputable law firm in Belfast focused on real estate and infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and tailored benefits.
- Why this job: Shape Northern Ireland's future while gaining hands-on experience with industry experts.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor in NI with 2-6 years of planning or environmental law experience.
- Other info: Opportunities for career advancement and collaboration across disciplines.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An established commercial law firm in Belfast is seeking a Planning Solicitor to join its growing real estate and infrastructure practice. This role offers exposure to some of the most complex and high-profile development projects across Northern Ireland and beyond, with opportunities for career advancement and cross-disciplinary collaboration. We welcome applications from junior and mid-level lawyers who are passionate about planning, development and environmental law.
The Role
- Advising on planning applications, consents, and development control.
- Manage planning appeals, environmental enforcement and public inquiries.
- Manage EIAs and Habitats Regulations.
- Judicial reviews and statutory challenges.
- Planning enforcement and regulatory compliance.
- Supporting major infrastructure, energy, and commercial real estate projects.
You’ll work closely with clients including developers, energy companies, local authorities and commercial landowners. There is a variety of workstreams to access.
About You
- Qualified as a solicitor in NI and ideally dual qualified.
- Experienced in planning and/or environmental law, either at junior or mid level (e.g. 2–6 yrs PQE).
- Familiar with the planning frameworks and regulatory regimes in Northern Ireland and ideally in other regions.
- Detail-oriented, commercially aware, and capable of handling a dynamic caseload.
- Confident, autonomous but team player and highly ambitious.
- Experience in advocacy or representation at planning hearings is welcome but not essential.
Why Join?
- Join a firm with a strong and growing reputation in planning, real estate, and infrastructure.
- Gain hands-on experience on landmark projects that shape Northern Ireland’s built environment.
- Work alongside senior specialists with sector-leading expertise.
- Clear routes to career progression and professional development.
- Hybrid/flexible working options and a supportive team environment.
- Competitive salary and tailored benefits package.
To discuss this opportunity in confidence contact Alan Braithwaite or submit your CV.
Planning Solicitor – Jnr / Mid PQE employer: Abacus Professional Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Abacus Professional Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Solicitor – Jnr / Mid PQE
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the planning and environmental law sectors. Attend industry events, seminars, or webinars to meet potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and the firm.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with recent high-profile planning cases in Northern Ireland. Being able to discuss these during an interview will demonstrate your passion and understanding of the current landscape in planning law.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of the firm on professional networking sites. They can offer valuable information about the firm's culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with planning applications and regulatory compliance in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've navigated complex legal frameworks in your previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Solicitor – Jnr / Mid PQE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in planning and environmental law. Include specific examples of cases you've worked on, particularly those that relate to planning applications and development control.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your passion for planning law and your understanding of the regulatory frameworks in Northern Ireland. Mention why you are interested in this particular firm and how your skills align with their needs.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any experience you have with planning appeals, environmental impact assessments, or judicial reviews. If you have participated in advocacy at planning hearings, be sure to include that as well.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role in law.
How to prepare for a job interview at Abacus Professional Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Planning Law
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning and environmental law, especially as it pertains to Northern Ireland. Be prepared to discuss recent developments or landmark cases that could impact the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight any relevant experience you have with planning applications, appeals, or environmental assessments. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your capabilities and how they align with the firm's needs.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you work effectively in a team. Share examples of successful projects where you contributed to a team effort, particularly in high-pressure situations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm’s approach to planning law and the types of projects you might work on. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the firm is the right fit for you.
