At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a leading planning team and work on high-profile projects across the UK.
- Company: Burges Salmon, a top-tier law firm with a progressive culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and a supportive environment for career growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a commitment to accessibility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in energy, infrastructure, and development sectors.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 3+ years' experience in planning matters.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
We are looking to recruit planning lawyers at various levels to join our market-leading planning and compulsory purchase team. The team is expanding to meet increasing client and work demands and opportunities.
We would welcome applications from those with experience in any or all of town and country planning, development consenting, compulsory acquisition/purchase and compensation matters, EIA/HRA, inquiries/examinations and judicial review. We are open to applications from a wide variety of backgrounds. We have several team members who were previously in local government or in-house as well as lawyers who made late career changes.
The Department operates at the top level of the legal market, delivering planning and CPO advice to clients in the private and public sectors across the UK. We are involved in the entire development process – from devising consenting strategy to project delivery and everything in between. The firm's market-leading lawyers provide strategic advice to clients across a range of industry sectors, including energy, transport, utilities and the built environment.
The role offers an opportunity to work across a broad range of work throughout the UK. The whole team works on a fully integrated basis across all offices. We are actively part of some of the most high-profile projects in the energy, infrastructure and built environment sectors, including onshore and offshore wind, large scale solar, pumped storage hydro, carbon capture, nuclear, interconnectors and pipelines, water and flood defence, new roads and rail, data centres, redevelopment and regeneration.
Our working environment is professional yet progressive, where quality of work and quality of life go hand-in-hand. Our collaborative approach to how we do business is what attracts some of the best legal minds in the industry and the reason why our people love working here.
We are proud to have received an Investors in People - Platinum Accreditation and have recently been voted by our people as a RollOnFriday's ‘Best Law Firm to Work At 2026' meaning we have won this award for the last five years in a row. We offer flexible working arrangements including hybrid working.
At Burges Salmon, you will have a fair, transparent path to progression.
What you'll need:
- Relevant experience working on a range of planning matters
- Be a strong team player, with excellent interpersonal skills
- Able to manage a complex and varied workload effectively
- Be self-motivated and willing to learn
- Must be a qualified solicitor in England and Wales, or a Law Society of Scotland registered lawyer, with at least three years' post qualification experience
We're committed to finding the right person for this role and we're open to discussing flexible working, full time or part time working patterns. It's important to us that our organisation represents the diverse community in which we operate and we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. As a Disability Confident employer we will provide a fully accessible recruitment process.
If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact Chris Jenkinson - 0117 307 2246 - for an informal and confidential conversation.
Category: Legal
Team: Planning & Compulsory Purchase
PQE: 3+
Location: Bristol, Edinburgh
Terms: Permanent
Planning Associate/Senior Associates in Edinburgh employer: Burges Salmon
Burges Salmon is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where employees are empowered to lead high-impact projects and contribute to the strategic direction of the firm. With a strong focus on professional development, you will have ample opportunities for growth and advancement within a supportive environment that values efficiency and client experience. Located in a vibrant city, the firm offers a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while engaging in meaningful legal work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Associate/Senior Associates in Edinburgh
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We think you need these skills to ace Planning Associate/Senior Associates in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Burges Salmon, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Burges Salmon and the specific role of Planning Associate/Senior Associates. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Burges Salmon
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
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Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
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In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Burges Salmon.
