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- Tasks: Join a specialist team advising on diverse planning law matters for various clients.
- 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.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in planning law while building lasting relationships with clients.
- Qualifications: Experience in Planning Law and excellent communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and specialisation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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.
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. They secure provision of community facilities, financial contributions, land for education and employment uses, public open space, ecological mitigation and Affordable Housing.
They deal with appeals before the Planning Inspectorate in relation to appeals following refusal of planning permission, Certificates of Lawfulness and Enforcement Notices. The department has conduct of appeals by way of written representations, Hearings and Inquiries and, where appropriate, provide the advocacy. They are regularly instructed in High Court proceedings, including Statutory Challenges (s288 and s289) and Judicial Reviews, and are also instructed to have conduct of matters before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. They represent 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. Additionally, 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.
What skills should I have?
- 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.
Working in partnership with businesses and individuals, Holmes & Hills' large team of legal experts work in partnership with individuals and organisations to provide them with truly proactive legal services through personal relationships. Acting as a trusted advisor to clients, they take the time to understand clients' needs and objectives before delivering practical advice through a personal and accessible approach.
Independently recognised as a leading law firm, Holmes & Hills Solicitors is independently recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as being a leading supplier of legal services in the region. These accreditations give clients the confidence that the legal advice and representation they receive from Holmes & Hills is some of the best available. Their clients range from established and growing businesses whose brands are recognised and sold around the world and local authorities across the region, through to families and first-time home buyers.
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 planning law forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Planning Solicitor role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience in planning law, including any successful cases or projects you've worked on. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out! If you see a firm you’re keen on, drop them a message expressing your interest. Even if they’re not actively hiring, they might keep you in mind for future opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a dedicated section for job openings, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Holmes & Hills.
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 CV and cover letter for the Planning Solicitor role. Highlight your relevant experience in planning law and any specific projects you've worked on that align with what we do at Holmes & Hills.
Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your excellent communication skills and proactive attitude shine through. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've built relationships with clients or tackled complex planning issues.
Be Professional Yet Approachable: While we value professionalism, we also appreciate a friendly approach. Make sure your application reflects your ability to provide top-quality advice in a way that's accessible and relatable to clients.
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holmes & Hills Solicitors
✨Know Your Planning Law
Brush up on key areas of planning law relevant to the role, such as s106 agreements and judicial reviews. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your expertise and enthusiasm for the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your excellent communication skills during the interview. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated complex legal concepts to clients or colleagues, as this is crucial in building relationships with clients and referrers.
✨Be Proactive and Self-Motivated
Highlight instances where you've taken initiative in your previous roles. This could be through leading a project or finding innovative solutions to planning challenges. Employers love candidates who are self-starters and can drive their own success.
✨Understand the Firm's Values
Familiarise yourself with Holmes & Hills' approach to client relationships and their commitment to providing proactive legal services. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of supporting clients’ growth.
