Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on high-profile planning and environmental legal matters across government departments.
- Company: Join the Government Legal Department, the largest provider of legal services in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, civil service pension, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative agenda in a nurturing environment with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on housing, environment, and energy policies that shape public life.
- Qualifications: Specialist experience in planning and environmental law is essential.
The predicted salary is between 49000 - 73000 £ per year.
The Government Legal Department (GLD) is the largest provider of legal services across government, working with all the main Whitehall departments. From energy to security, from roads to rivers, health to human rights, our work touches on most aspects of public life. From developing and drafting legislation to helping to secure economic and trade relationships, providing legal advice on policies to ensuring value from contracts, our work is stimulating and varied.
We are currently looking to hire planning lawyers to work on high‑profile, topical matters across several government legal department teams. There are roles in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), which is dedicated to changing and improving lives in the UK. As a specialist planning lawyer advising MHCLG you will support the Department’s agenda to drive up housing supply, which is a key part of the Government's growth agenda.
The GLD also provides legal advice to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) which is responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world‑leading food and farming industry and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our work spans domestic and international businesses that touch on the natural environment, animal welfare, food, farming and fisheries. As well as supporting international negotiations, we advise on the domestic legislation.
GLD lawyers giving advice to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) focus on decarbonisation technologies, nuclear power, clean energy and heat, energy efficiency, combatting fuel poverty, energy security, energy networks, international energy commitments, climate change and net zero obligations. Planning lawyers advising DESNZ focus on planning and infrastructure advice.
To be a success, specialist experience in planning and environment law is key. You will have a good technical knowledge of town and county planning or infrastructure law paired with a sound understanding of public law. It would be advantageous if you had experience in planning or environmental litigation and advisory experience whether through working in a law firm, as a barrister, in‑house at a private company, public body, regulator or a non‑governmental organisation. You should have a good understanding of the role of lawyers in government. As a lawyer, you give risk‑based advice paired with good judgement. You’re a creative and strategic thinker, able to see legal issues in their wider context. You use sound legal analysis and research to produce timely, fit‑for‑purpose advice. It’s important that you’re an effective communicator, both in writing and orally.
We’ll be assessing you on the following behaviours from our Success Profiles: communicating and influencing, working together, managing a quality service. All GLD employees must hold BPSS security clearance. If successful for this post, you must hold, or be willing and able to obtain, CTC for London and baseline elsewhere security clearance. You can start your position while getting/until you hold this clearance level.
GLD encourages its people to develop their skills in a nurturing environment. Other benefits include access to a valuable civil service pension and flexible working arrangements. Our vision is to be an outstanding legal organisation and a brilliant place to work where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. This is an exciting time for GLD, with cutting edge legal work on global issues and a transformation agenda which is ensuring the Department exemplifies the Modern Civil Service.
Closing date for applications: Noon Monday 20th April 2026.
Planning Lawyer in Leeds employer: Government Legal Department
Contact Detail:
Government Legal Department Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Lawyer in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Government Legal Department. A friendly chat can give us insider info on what they look for in candidates and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of planning and environment law. We want to show that we’re not just familiar with the basics, but that we can discuss recent developments and how they impact the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our communication skills! Since effective communication is key, let’s rehearse common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. This will help us articulate our thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Lawyer in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in planning and environmental law. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the Government Legal Department, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key for this role, ensure your written application reflects your ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically to demonstrate your communication prowess.
Highlight Your Strategic Thinking: We’re looking for creative and strategic thinkers! In your application, share examples of how you’ve approached legal issues with a broader perspective. This will help us see your ability to provide risk-based advice and sound judgement.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Legal Department
✨Know Your Planning Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning and environmental law. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or legislation that are relevant to the role. This shows you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Planning Lawyer, effective communication is key. Practice articulating complex legal concepts in simple terms. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to influence and persuade by sharing examples of how you've successfully communicated legal advice in the past.
✨Understand the Government's Agenda
Familiarise yourself with the current priorities of the Government Legal Department, especially those related to housing supply and environmental issues. Being able to discuss how your expertise aligns with their goals will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to work collaboratively and manage quality service. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting specific instances where you’ve demonstrated these behaviours in your previous roles.