Planning Solicitor (1 – 6 PQE) in Norwich

Due to a significant growth in our work over the last year, we have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and ambitious Planning Solicitor to join our leading planning law team based in our Norwich office. You will be working with a broad range of clients on all aspects of planning law for projects across the Eastern Region and beyond from residential and commercial development to retail, agriculture and renewable energy schemes. Our planning team act for numerous national house builders and regional developers, promoters, landowners and public sector clients. This is a friendly team with highly experienced practitioners with the ability to provide you with the necessary support to develop your career.

Some of your duties will include:

• Advise and assist clients in relation to their matters, ensuring a high level of client service is maintained at all times and that the client’s aims are met (subject to professional and regulatory requirements).
• Manage all aspects of the client relationship, from engagement to billing and chasing payment.
• Prepare and review legal documents ahead of a court hearing.
• Ensuring compliance with all file management processes, including those related to file audits.
• Working as a team with colleagues in promoting the interests of Howes Percival and in undertaking their role.
• Complying with all legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Developing litigation strategies if required.
• Updating and consulting with Senior Associates and Partners.
• Managing client cases from start to finish.

About you and your experience:

• Qualification ranging from 1 to 6 years PQE.
• Hard working, personable and eager to learn and develop as part of our team.
• Working knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and associated legislation.
• Drafting advice to clients.
• Experience in drafting section 106 agreements and infrastructure agreements and ability to manage such matters from instruction to conclusion.
• Able to manage workloads and deal effectively with clients and colleagues.

The following experience is not essential, but would be desirable:

• Experience in instructing Counsel, leading planning appeals and judicial review/statutory challenges.
• Working knowledge of Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment.
• Experience in dealing with Development Consent Orders and Compulsory Purchase.
• Ability to deliver presentations/seminars in person or through webinar.
• Managing & supervising more junior members of the team.

At Howes Percival, we are driven by a commitment to our clients and a passion for achieving their goals. With a rich heritage spanning over 200 years, we have evolved into a leading law firm with a reputation for delivering exceptional results across a wide range of practice areas. Our team comprises highly skilled lawyers who combine deep industry knowledge with innovative thinking to provide strategic advice and tailored solutions to our diverse client base. As an employer, we value talent, diversity, and collaboration. We foster a supportive and inclusive culture where every team member is empowered to thrive and make a meaningful impact. Joining Howes Percival means being part of a dynamic growing and forward-thinking firm dedicated to excellence in legal practice and client service.

The team is recognised as one of the country’s leading planning law teams, regularly featuring in the top planning law firms in Planning Magazine’s Planning Law Survey (#10 in 2025). Two of our partners are also recognised as the country’s highest rated planning solicitors individually. Howes Percival has been recognised, for the fifth consecutive year, in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 list, with specific commendation for its expertise in planning law. We achieved a three-star 'World Class' accreditation in the top 75 “Best Companies” (formerly The Sunday Times Best Companies Awards) and ranked 5th in the top 75 "UK's Best Large Companies to Work For" category for 2025. We have been ranked #1 Best Law Firm to work for in the UK by Best Companies for 2025. We have been accredited with "Investors in People" since 1996 and were shortlisted for Employer of the Year in 2023. Our lawyers come from a variety of backgrounds, many from larger and City firms, some from in-house and including Partners who have trained with us. We offer a wide range of benefits for all our valued employees including (but not limited to); Perks at Work discounts, profit share scheme and discretionary bonus, 25 days holiday entitlement, one paid ‘charity day’ per year, comprehensive private medical cover, plus a well-being calendar with a wide range of regular events.