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- Tasks: Join a specialist team advising on diverse planning law matters and client projects.
- Company: Holmes & Hills Solicitors, a leading regional law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to work on high-profile cases.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in planning law while building strong client relationships.
- Qualifications: Planning Law experience and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Planning Law Solicitor to join our highly regarded specialist Planning Law Department recognised by Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and The Planner for its planning expertise. The role would suit a candidate with all levels of Planning Law experience. The preferable candidate would be a specialist Planning Solicitor.
In the role you will work as part of a specialist team assisting the firm’s wide variety of clients and professional referrers. The work would include the following areas of planning law:
- s106, s38, s272 and s104 infrastructure agreements;
- providing planning law advice on a wide range of commercial, residential or mixed-use projects;
- preparing applications for certificates of lawfulness;
- dealing with appeals on behalf of local authorities, landowners and developers, following refusal of planning permission, certificates of lawfulness and enforcement notices;
- s288 statutory challenges and judicial reviews in the High Court;
- acting on both sides of enforcement prosecutions.
You will provide expert and specialist advice and pursue the client’s best interests. You will also build strong relationships with the firm’s existing client base, play a key role in helping expand our professional network and promote and market the department.
The Planning Law Department deals with a broad spectrum of planning and development related matters, acting for Developers, Landowners, Local Planning Authorities and Individuals. The department frequently advises Local Planning Authorities, landowners and property developers on complex S106 Agreements ensuring the grant of planning permission for residential and mixed developments of up to hundreds to thousands of new homes. This includes securing provision of community facilities, financial contributions, land for education and employment uses, public open space, ecological mitigation and Affordable Housing.
Dealing with appeals before the Planning Inspectorate in relation to appeals following refusal of planning permission, Certificates of Lawfulness and Enforcement Notices. We have conduct of appeals by way of written representations, Hearings and Inquiries and, where appropriate, provide the advocacy. Regularly instructed in High Court proceedings, including Statutory Challenges (s288 and s289) and Judicial Reviews. We are also instructed to have conduct of matters before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, representing Local Authorities in the Magistrates Courts and Crown Court dealing with prosecutions for breaches of planning control.
The Department also provides strategic planning advice for developers and landowners in exploring and securing development potential. The Department has solicitors advising upon nationally significant infrastructure purchase and compulsory purchase matters which the successful candidate will have an option to be involved in (pertinently in respect of s106 agreements).
The successful candidate will have Planning Law experience, potentially having a background working in Local Government or private practice, and have a keen interest in either consolidating or developing a specialism within Planning Law. The successful candidate will also have a reputation for providing top-quality advice in a professional but approachable manner.
Skills required include:
- A background knowledge of planning law
- Excellent communication skills
- A self-motivated and pro-active attitude
- Commercial awareness
- Enjoy networking and building long-lasting relationships with clients, agents and referrers.
About Us: Holmes & Hills Solicitors is a large regional firm of solicitors with seven offices across Essex and Suffolk and over 200 legal professionals across a number of specialist departments. Holmes & Hills works in partnership with clients across East Anglia, including businesses, individuals, families and local authorities, to build long standing relationships, protect clients' interests and support clients' growth and development.
Independently recognised as a leading law firm, Holmes & Hills Solicitors is recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as being a leading supplier of legal services in the region.
Planning Solicitor in Colchester employer: Holmes & Hills Solicitors
Contact Detail:
Holmes & Hills Solicitors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Solicitor in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals in the planning law field. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its recent cases. Show your passion for planning law and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their work. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your skills and experiences related to planning law. A confident and concise introduction can make a lasting impression during networking events or interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Holmes & Hills Solicitors.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Solicitor in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in Planning Law. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific areas mentioned in the job description, like s106 agreements and appeals.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key in this role, don’t shy away from showcasing your ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly. Use examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully communicated with clients or stakeholders.
Highlight Your Proactive Attitude: We love candidates who take initiative! Share instances where you’ve gone above and beyond in your previous roles, whether it’s in securing planning permissions or building client relationships. It shows us you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply through our website. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holmes & Hills Solicitors
✨Know Your Planning Law
Brush up on the key areas of planning law mentioned in the job description, like s106 and s38 agreements. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is crucial in this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex legal concepts to clients or colleagues. This will demonstrate your ability to provide top-quality advice in an approachable manner.
✨Demonstrate Your Networking Ability
Think of instances where you've successfully built relationships with clients or professional referrers. Highlighting your networking skills will align with the firm's emphasis on expanding their professional network.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific planning law scenarios, such as dealing with appeals or enforcement prosecutions. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills during the interview.