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- Tasks: Join our team to provide strategic planning advice and manage your own caseload.
- Company: Be part of a national firm with a diverse client base, including developers and government bodies.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and the chance to develop a strong professional network.
- Why this job: This role offers autonomy, varied work, and the opportunity to grow in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have 3+ years PQE in planning law and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Work from Reading, London, Southampton, or Cardiff, attending the office 2-3 days a week.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for a planning Solicitor with 3+ years PQE to join our national team as part of a new phase of expansion. 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.
Working under the guidance of a Partner and Legal Director (both London based), this presents an ideal opportunity for someone with aspirations to broaden their experience in a varied regional role with a high degree of autonomy. 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
- Auditing planning application documents and committee reports to assist clients with risk management, appeals, judicial review and enforcement
- Covering 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
- Qualified to practise in England and Wales with a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience
- Extensive experience in planning and highways law
- Experience of drafting complex s106 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, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and clients. Building relationships can lead to referrals and insights about job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current trends and changes in planning law. Subscribe to relevant legal journals, follow influential figures on social media, and join online forums. This knowledge will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out directly to the firm’s current employees via LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any advice they might have for applicants. This can give you valuable insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interviews by practising common questions related to planning law. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've worked on, particularly those involving complex agreements or judicial reviews. This will showcase your practical experience and problem-solving skills.
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 complex agreements you've drafted and any successful planning appeals you've conducted.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the firm. Mention your 3+ years PQE and how your skills align with the job description, particularly your experience with planning permissions and risk management.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key, consider including a brief example in your application that demonstrates your ability to explain complex legal matters to clients without a legal background.
Highlight Business Development Experience: If you have experience in business development or marketing activities, be sure to mention this in your application. Discuss any networks you've developed and how you can contribute to the firm's growth.
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. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and show that you understand the unique challenges and needs of these clients.
✨Demonstrate Business Development Skills
Since the role involves business development and marketing activities, be ready to discuss any previous experiences where you've successfully built a network or contributed to practice development. This shows your proactive approach and ability to contribute to the firm's growth.
✨Communicate Complex Matters Simply
Practice explaining complex legal concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to do this for clients without a legal background. During the interview, use clear and concise language to demonstrate your communication skills and ability to connect with clients.
