Senior Planning Lawyer in England

Senior Planning Lawyer in England

England Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape communities and advise on impactful planning projects across the South Coast.
  • Company: Join a top-ranked legal practice known for its quality and supportive culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and a full benefits package.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in planning law while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 4+ years of planning law experience.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and progression.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Shape the future of places, people, and progress. Every major development, from a new community to a sustainable regeneration project, starts with one thing: smart, strategic planning advice. This role gives you the chance to be at the heart of that process, advising national developers, landowners, and local authorities on projects that genuinely shape the South Coast and beyond. You’ll be joining one of the region’s most respected planning teams, a Legal 500‑ranked practice known for its quality of work, approachable culture, and ability to combine technical expertise with practical, real‑world advice.

The Role

You’ll handle a stimulating mix of planning and environmental work, advising clients on everything from strategic land and urban regeneration to infrastructure and coastal development. Expect real variety and the autonomy to run complex matters, influence outcomes, and help guide the next generation of lawyers. Your work will include:

  • Drafting and negotiating Section 106 agreements and complex planning obligations
  • Advising on applications, appeals, enforcement, and judicial review
  • Supporting clients with emerging environmental issues such as biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality
  • Collaborating with developers, promoters, and local authorities on innovative, high‑impact schemes
  • Helping grow the practice through client relationships, thought leadership, and mentoring

About You

You’re already confident in your planning expertise, now you want a platform to build your profile. A qualified Solicitor (ideally 4+ PQE) with strong planning law experience (either in private practice or local authority). Skilled in drafting and negotiation, particularly around Section 106 obligations. Commercially astute, pragmatic, and client‑focused. Motivated to grow your own network and reputation in a team that actively supports it.

What’s on Offer

Competitive salary and full benefits package. Hybrid working and flexibility to fit your lifestyle. Opportunity to work on nationally significant projects without London hours. Structured progression and mentoring to partnership level. A collaborative, down‑to‑earth culture that genuinely values people.

If you’re ready to take your planning career to the next level, with the freedom to make an impact and the support to grow, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or contact me for a confidential discussion.

Senior Planning Lawyer in England employer: JMC Legal Recruitment

Join a leading planning team in Southampton, where your expertise will directly influence the development of sustainable communities and infrastructure projects across the South Coast. With a strong focus on employee growth, our collaborative culture fosters mentorship and offers structured progression to partnership level, all while providing a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements. Experience the satisfaction of working on nationally significant projects without the demands of London hours, in an environment that truly values your contributions.
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Contact Detail:

JMC Legal Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Lawyer in England

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, and local meet-ups to connect with fellow professionals. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Create a LinkedIn profile that highlights your planning law experience and share relevant articles or insights. This not only builds your credibility but also keeps you on the radar of potential employers.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals, especially in areas like urban regeneration and environmental issues.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Lawyer in England

Planning Law Expertise
Drafting Skills
Negotiation Skills
Section 106 Agreements
Environmental Law Knowledge
Client Advisory Skills
Strategic Land Development
Urban Regeneration
Infrastructure Development
Judicial Review Procedures
Biodiversity Net Gain
Nutrient Neutrality
Commercial Awareness
Mentoring Skills
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your planning law experience. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise in drafting Section 106 agreements and advising on complex planning matters.

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your previous roles, focus on specific projects or cases where you made a significant impact. We love to see quantifiable results, so if you’ve helped secure planning permissions or improved client relationships, let us know!

Keep It Professional Yet Approachable: While we appreciate professionalism, we also value a down-to-earth approach. Use a friendly tone in your application that reflects our culture. Show us your personality while maintaining the necessary legal professionalism.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you can ensure your application reaches the right people and stands out in our system. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at JMC Legal Recruitment

✨Know Your Planning Law Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in planning law, especially around Section 106 agreements and environmental issues. Being able to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation will show your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.

✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare examples of past negotiations you've handled, particularly those involving complex planning obligations. Highlight how your approach led to successful outcomes for clients, as this is a key part of the job.

✨Demonstrate Your Client-Focused Mindset

Think about how you can illustrate your commercial awareness and client-centric approach during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with clients and how you plan to grow your network in this new role.

✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Spirit

Since the role involves working with various stakeholders like developers and local authorities, be prepared to talk about your experience in collaborative projects. Share specific examples where teamwork led to innovative solutions or successful project outcomes.

Senior Planning Lawyer in England
JMC Legal Recruitment
Location: England
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