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- Tasks: Join our Planning team to provide expert legal advice on diverse planning and environmental issues.
- Company: Be part of a highly-regarded national firm with a stellar reputation in real estate law.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent role with opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by advising blue chip clients and contributing to significant developments in the community.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 6+ years PQE in Planning & Environmental Law is essential.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in a dynamic environment and are eager to mentor others.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Department: Real Estate - Planning
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Bristol
Our highly-regarded, national Planning team are recruiting for a Senior Associate or Legal Director to join our Planning team. As part of the much wider Real Estate Group team, the highly regarded group acts for an impressive array of blue chip clients spanning the public and private sectors - along with an excellent reputation for housebuilder work. The team advises on all aspects of planning and environmental issues including:
- Residential, commercial, healthcare, educational and mixed use developments
- Section 106 agreements
- Infrastructure and highway agreements
- Rights of way
- Due diligence in support of property and commercial transactions
- CIL Appeals and judicial review
- Enforcement
- CPOs
- Contaminated land liabilities
- Waste management regulation and environmental permitting
- Statutory nuisance
- Floodplain issues
- Environmental impact assessments/Habitats Regulations
- Biodiversity Net Gain
- Net-Zero
Key Responsibilities:
- Acting as first and primary contact for clients on a day to day basis providing them with commercially focused legal advice.
- Adhering closely to client protocol and process.
- Be able to work independently and at a high level.
- Provide support to senior fee earners where appropriate.
- Provide supervision and coaching to junior fee earners.
- Make an appropriate contribution to non fee-earning activity e.g. marketing and business development, client relationship management, knowledge sharing, training, client seminars.
- Comply with the required standards for internal procedures e.g. financial management of files, billing regimes etc as well as the specific requirements of individual clients.
- Writing articles for publication both for in-house and external publications.
- Handle confidential information in line with the firm's data security protocols.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise:
- A Qualified Solicitor, ideally 6+ PQE.
- Experience of Planning & Environmental Law, including Residential Development.
- Ability to deliver against client protocols and KPIs.
- Strong technical skills and an ability to understand and work through complex issues.
- A highly client focused and demonstrable ability to adopt a practical and commercial perspective rather than an 'academic' approach to legal issues.
- Ability to operate with a high level of self-sufficiency, combined with an awareness of the boundaries of own competence/authority.
- Team oriented and collegiate with experience of and a willingness to mentor, coach and supervise less experienced members of the team.
- Exposure to (and success within) business development activities.
- Confident communicator with an ability to develop relationships, undertake client marketing and influence at all levels.
- Strong organisational skills to ensure a pragmatic and methodical approach to handling a variety of Planning and Environmental matters simultaneously.
- A positive, flexible approach towards the implementation of new initiatives.
- Able to handle a complex and constantly changing workload and to work well under pressure.
- Detail conscious with a concern for quality.
Senior Associate/Legal Director - Planning employer: DAC Beachcroft LLP
Contact Detail:
DAC Beachcroft LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate/Legal Director - Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the Planning and Environmental Law sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and clients. Building relationships can give you insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current trends and changes in Planning and Environmental Law. Subscribe to relevant legal journals, follow influential figures on social media, and engage in discussions online. This knowledge will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of StudySmarter or similar firms. Informational interviews can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Senior Associate/Legal Director role, helping you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with business development activities. Think of specific examples where you've successfully contributed to client relationship management or marketing initiatives. Highlighting these experiences can set you apart as a candidate who understands the importance of growth in the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate/Legal Director - Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in Planning and Environmental Law. Emphasise your qualifications, particularly your PQE, and any specific projects or cases that demonstrate your expertise in residential development and client management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the firm's focus on client relationships. Mention your ability to provide commercially focused legal advice and your experience in mentoring junior team members.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your strong technical skills and your ability to navigate complex legal issues. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple planning and environmental matters simultaneously.
Highlight Business Development Experience: If you have experience in business development activities, make sure to include this in your application. Discuss any successful initiatives you've led or contributed to, as this is a key aspect of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at DAC Beachcroft LLP
✨Showcase Your Expertise in Planning Law
Make sure to highlight your experience in Planning and Environmental Law during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or projects you've worked on, especially those involving residential development, as this will demonstrate your technical skills and understanding of complex issues.
✨Demonstrate Client-Focused Thinking
Since the role requires a highly client-focused approach, think of examples where you've successfully delivered commercially focused legal advice. Discuss how you prioritised client needs and adhered to protocols, showcasing your ability to balance legal expertise with practical solutions.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
As a Senior Associate or Legal Director, you'll be expected to mentor and supervise junior fee earners. Be ready to talk about your experience in team settings, how you've contributed to team success, and any mentoring or coaching roles you've taken on in the past.
✨Exhibit Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've developed relationships with clients and influenced stakeholders at various levels. You might also want to mention any experience you have in client marketing or public speaking, as these will be valuable in demonstrating your confidence and capability.
