At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a leading planning team and work on high-profile projects across the UK.
- Company: Burges Salmon, a top law firm with a progressive culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, comprehensive rewards package, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to accessibility and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in energy and infrastructure while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in planning matters and strong teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
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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
Benefits:
We offer a comprehensive rewards package and a range of benefits for our lawyers. 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.
Planning Associate/Senior Associates employer: Burges Salmon
Burges Salmon is an exceptional employer, renowned for its professional yet progressive work environment that prioritises both quality of work and quality of life. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative culture, the firm has been recognised as one of the best law firms to work at in the UK, making it an ideal place for planning lawyers seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in Bristol and Edinburgh.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Associate/Senior Associates
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning sector, attend industry events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its recent projects. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant experience in planning matters – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are discussing your skills and experiences, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, go ahead and hit that apply button!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Associate/Senior Associates
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Planning Associate/Senior Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in town and country planning, development consenting, or any other areas mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background fits with what we do!
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since we value collaboration, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to work well in a team. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with others, especially in complex planning matters. This will show us you’re a great fit for our team!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the application process there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Burges Salmon
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of town and country planning, development consenting, and compulsory purchase matters. Familiarise yourself with recent case studies or projects that relate to the role, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Since the role requires excellent interpersonal skills and teamwork, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a collaborative environment and support your future colleagues.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions about managing complex workloads and handling challenging situations. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to juggle multiple tasks effectively, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking thoughtful questions about the team’s current projects or the firm’s approach to flexible working. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
