At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on planning, environmental, and public law matters for major government projects.
- Company: Join the Government Legal Department supporting vital housing and infrastructure initiatives.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role in a fast-paced environment with significant career development potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile planning reforms and infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with 3+ years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
Contract Length: 6 months with view to extend to 12 months
Location: London (60% hybrid)
Interview Process: 1 stage over Teams (competency)
Overview
We are seeking experienced Planning Lawyers to join the Government Legal Department, supporting the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on a broad range of high-profile planning, infrastructure and public law matters. This is a policy-facing advisory role supporting major government priorities, including planning reform, infrastructure delivery, and legally complex, often contentious decision-making.
The Role
This is a varied advisory role combining:
- Planning and environmental law advice
- Public law / judicial review risk
- Policy development and legislation support
- High-profile casework
You will advise Ministers, policy teams and officials on:
- Planning decisions (including called-in decisions and appeals)
- Planning reform and legislation (including SIs)
- Infrastructure and major development projects
- Legal risk and potential challenge (including JR)
Key Responsibilities
- Provide pragmatic, risk-based legal advice on planning, environmental and public law matters
- Advise on major infrastructure and development projects (e.g. energy, transport, regeneration)
- Support policy development and legislative change, including drafting secondary legislation
- Advise on judicial review risk and litigation strategy
- Work closely with policy officials and stakeholders across government
- Deliver clear, timely advice in a fast-paced, high-profile environment
Essential Experience
- Strong planning law experience (private practice, public sector or equivalent)
- Experience across infrastructure, major projects or complex developments
- Exposure to environmental law / EIA / regulatory frameworks
- Experience advising on or supporting judicial review / contentious matters
- Demonstrable ability to provide practical, commercially aware advice
- Strong analytical and communication skills
Highly Desirable Experience
- Experience with Section 106 agreements / planning obligations / CIL
- Exposure to Development Consent Orders (DCOs) or large-scale consenting regimes
- Experience of legislation or statutory instrument drafting
- Experience advising government or public bodies (not essential)
Profile We Are Seeking
This role would suit lawyers who:
- Have worked on complex, high-value development or infrastructure matters
- Understand how planning decisions are challenged and defended
- Can operate effectively in a policy-driven, political environment
- Provide clear, pragmatic advice under time pressure
- Are comfortable working across a broad range of planning issues (not overly niche)
Additional Notes for Suppliers (Important)
- Candidates from private practice, in-house, or international jurisdictions are all welcomed, provided experience is transferable
- Candidates do not need prior central government experience
- Broad planning + infrastructure exposure is preferred over narrow specialism
- Candidates should demonstrate end-to-end involvement in projects, not just transactional support
Qualifications
- Qualified Solicitor or Barrister
- circa 3+ PQE (flexible depending on experience)
Strong candidates will typically show:
- Involvement in major infrastructure / energy / regeneration projects
- Experience with planning obligations, consenting, or approvals
- Exposure to litigation or judicial review risk
- Ability to balance legal accuracy with practical delivery considerations
Commercial Lawyer in London employer: eTeam
The Government Legal Department offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for Commercial Lawyers, particularly in the vibrant city of London. With a strong focus on employee growth, the department provides opportunities to engage in high-profile planning and infrastructure projects while enjoying a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Joining this team means contributing to significant government priorities and being part of a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Lawyer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its values before your interview. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to ask insightful questions!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your competency-based interview skills. Think of examples from your past experience that showcase your planning law expertise and how you've tackled challenges. We want to hear about your successes!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part for your interview, even if it's over Teams. A professional appearance can boost your confidence and make a great first impression. Remember, you want to stand out for the right reasons!
✨Tip Number 4
After the interview, don’t forget to follow up with a thank-you email. It’s a simple way to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position. And hey, if you’re keen on this role, apply through our website for a smoother process!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Lawyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning law and infrastructure projects. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Skills:Emphasise your analytical and communication skills in your application. We’re looking for candidates who can provide clear, pragmatic advice, so give us examples of how you've done this in past roles.
Be Concise and Clear:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your key points stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget 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, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at eTeam
✨Know Your Planning Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your planning law knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with recent cases, legislation, and any relevant government policies. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Competency Questions
Since the interview is competency-based, think of specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your skills in planning law, public law, and risk management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Understand the Government's Priorities
Research the current priorities of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, such as planning reform and infrastructure delivery, will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Planning Lawyer, you'll need to communicate complex legal concepts clearly. During the interview, practice articulating your thoughts succinctly and confidently. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver clear advice in a fast-paced environment, which is crucial for the role.
