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- Tasks: Advise on complex planning issues and negotiate development agreements for high-profile projects.
- Company: Leading international law firm with a collaborative and supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, structured training, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team at the forefront of UK development and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 4-6 years' experience in planning law and strong drafting skills required.
- Other info: Agile working environment with excellent prospects for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A leading international law firm is looking to appoint a Planning Associate to join its highly regarded Real Estate team in London. This is an excellent opportunity for a planning lawyer who wants to work at the forefront of the UK development market, advising on some of the most complex, high-profile and innovative projects in the country. The role offers genuine exposure to strategic planning work, close collaboration with market-leading real estate lawyers, and the chance to build a long-term career within a global, collegiate practice that invests heavily in its people.
The London planning team sits at the heart of the firm's real estate practice and plays a key role in advising on major development and infrastructure projects across the UK. The team is involved in work spanning offshore wind, urban regeneration, life sciences developments, prime commercial real estate and large residential-led schemes.
As a Planning Associate, you will work on a broad mix of advisory, transactional and contentious planning matters, with significant responsibility and direct client exposure. You will be supported by partners who are recognised leaders in the field and encouraged to develop your own technical expertise, client relationships and professional profile.
Key responsibilities- Advising on complex planning issues affecting large-scale, multi-use developments
- Negotiating and drafting Section 106 agreements, including affordable housing and other infrastructure obligations
- Advising on community infrastructure levy (CIL), heritage and listed building issues, compulsory purchase and related planning principles
- Negotiating a range of development-related agreements, including highways and sewer agreements
- Advising on highways matters, including stopping up and related statutory processes
- Supporting real estate transactions, including planning due diligence and drafting planning elements of transactional documentation
- Advising on planning appeals, public inquiries and hearings
- Providing strategic planning advice on infrastructure and development projects (experience with DCOs is advantageous but not essential)
- Contributing to business development through client training, seminars, articles and thought leadership
- 4-6 years' post-qualification experience (or equivalent) in planning law
- A strong academic background (minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent)
- Excellent drafting and technical planning skills
- Experience advising on major developments and planning agreements
- The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across real estate and other practice areas
- Confidence dealing directly with clients and building long-term relationships
- An interest in developing your professional profile through knowledge sharing and client engagement
The firm is known for its supportive, inclusive and genuinely collaborative culture. Planning lawyers are fully integrated into the wider real estate practice and are encouraged to take ownership of their work and career progression. You will benefit from structured training, high-quality supervision and clear opportunities for advancement within a global platform. Agile and hybrid working is supported, with flexibility built into the firm's working practices. The firm offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, alongside excellent training, career development and a modern working environment.
If you are a Planning Associate in London (or relocating to London) and are looking to step into a role offering complex work, international exposure and long-term career prospects, this is an opportunity well worth exploring.
Planning Associate employer: BCL Private Practice
Contact Detail:
BCL Private Practice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Associate
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at the firm. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with complex planning issues and major developments. Share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your skills and how you can add value to their team.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on the firm and its recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their needs, especially in areas like negotiating Section 106 agreements or advising on community infrastructure levy. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planning Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in planning law and any specific projects you've worked on that align with the firm's focus areas, like urban regeneration or infrastructure.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell your story! Explain why you're passionate about planning law and how your skills make you a great fit for the team. Don’t forget to mention your interest in developing client relationships and contributing to business development.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since the role requires excellent drafting and technical planning skills, be sure to include examples of your work. Whether it’s negotiating Section 106 agreements or advising on CIL, let us know what you’ve done and how it made an impact.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BCL Private Practice
✨Know Your Planning Law
Brush up on the latest developments in planning law, especially those relevant to large-scale projects. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or legislation that could impact the firm's work, showing your passion and knowledge in the field.
✨Showcase Your Drafting Skills
Since drafting Section 106 agreements and other legal documents is a key part of the role, bring examples of your previous work. Discuss your approach to drafting and how you ensure clarity and compliance with planning regulations.
✨Demonstrate Client Engagement
Prepare to talk about your experience dealing directly with clients. Share specific examples of how you've built relationships and provided strategic advice, highlighting your ability to communicate complex planning issues effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires working closely with colleagues across various practice areas. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in the past, perhaps on multi-disciplinary projects, and how you can contribute to the firm's supportive culture.