At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on planning law, negotiate agreements, and support development projects.
- Company: Top 50 UK law firm with a leading Real Estate team.
- Benefits: Private medical insurance, bonus scheme, and 28 days annual leave.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape your niche expertise while collaborating with industry specialists.
- Qualifications: NQ-5 years’ PQE with exposure to planning law and strong drafting skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
About the Role
Northampton | Central England | Real Estate – Planning
If you’re a Planning lawyer who wants proper breadth, genuine exposure to specialists, and the chance to shape a niche (rather than just service one), this is the role. We’re a leading Top 50 UK law firm with one of the largest and most respected Real Estate teams in the country. Our Planning capability has recently been strengthened through the merger/integration of Aardvark Planning into our Planning, Highways & Environment practice, meaning we now offer a more competitive, specialist planning proposition on a larger, multi‑disciplinary platform.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for an NQ‑5 PQE Solicitor/Associate to join the Planning team in Northampton. You’ll work closely with our Partners on a varied caseload spanning planning, highways and environmental matters, across both contentious and non‑contentious workstreams.
This is a role for someone who enjoys:
- Being close to the action on live development projects
- Getting into the detail on planning strategy and risk
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across Real Estate and the wider firm to deliver the best outcomes for clients
Your Responsibilities
You’ll advise across the breadth of planning, including:
- Contentious and non‑contentious planning matters, with exposure to highways and environmental issues.
- Negotiating and advising on planning/highways agreements and helping clients progress developments where legal issues may be obstructing delivery.
- Supporting on matters involving the threat of compulsory purchase and related planning considerations.
- Developing your technical knowledge and sharing it across the wider team through collaborative working and knowledge‑sharing.
- Spotting opportunities for cross‑referral and participating in business development activity to help grow the practice.
Why You’ll Enjoy It Here
This is a platform role. With the combined structure and expertise of the merged team, you’ll be supported to:
- Build on a varied offering (rather than being boxed into one lane)
- Carve out niche expertise over time (whether technical, sector‑based, or client‑type focused)
- Collaborate with industry and sector specialists across the firm to broaden your knowledge and accelerate your development
- Grow your confidence with clients and develop your own style as a trusted adviser
About You
- NQ‑5 years’ PQE
- Some prior exposure to planning law (seat experience welcomed)
- Strong drafting skills and a good technical foundation
- A collaborative approach and the ability to build strong internal and external relationships
- Commercial awareness and an interest in supporting BD activity
- A proactive, organised mindset with strong attention to detail
Benefits
- Income protection
- Private medical insurance
- Sight tests / glasses discounts
- Bonus scheme
- Electric vehicle scheme
- International secondments for 0‑5 PQE
- Scottish Widows pension scheme
- 28 days annual leave (plus public holidays)
- Happy People / Perks at Work benefits portal
- Cycle to work scheme
- Life assurance
- 1/3 gym membership contribution
- Flu vaccinations
Equal Opportunities
As HCR is an equal opportunities employer, we don’t just accept differences, we celebrate them. We want to attract a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and skills to create a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and works together to achieve the best outcome for our clients. We are privileged to be an armed forces‑friendly organisation.
Solicitor / Associate employer: PT group
As a leading Top 50 UK law firm, we offer an exceptional work environment for Solicitors and Associates in our Northampton office, where collaboration and professional growth are at the forefront of our culture. With access to a diverse range of planning projects and the opportunity to develop niche expertise alongside industry specialists, you will thrive in a supportive atmosphere that values inclusivity and celebrates differences. Our comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance, income protection, and international secondments, ensures that you are well-supported both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor / Associate
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your unique skills and experiences. We want to see how you can add value to their team, so prepare some examples of your work in planning law that demonstrate your expertise and collaborative spirit.
✨Be Proactive
Don’t wait for job openings to come to you! Reach out directly to firms you’re interested in, like us at StudySmarter, and express your enthusiasm for working with them. A little initiative can go a long way in making a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Our Website
Make sure to check out our website for the latest job openings and resources. We’ve got plenty of opportunities waiting for talented individuals like you, so don’t miss out on applying through us to kickstart your career in planning law!
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor / Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your experience in planning law and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can fit into our team and contribute to our diverse practice.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate your strong drafting skills and attention to detail. Use specific examples from your past work to illustrate how you’ve tackled planning matters, both contentious and non-contentious.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is proactive and collaborative, so share your passion for planning law and how you enjoy working with others to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at PT group
✨Know Your Planning Law
Brush up on your knowledge of planning law, especially the nuances of contentious and non-contentious matters. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or developments in the field, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role emphasises collaboration, think of examples where you've successfully worked with others. Highlight your ability to build strong relationships, both internally and externally, as this is key to delivering the best outcomes for clients.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Understand the business side of law. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to business development activities and spot opportunities for cross-referral. This shows that you’re not just a legal mind but also someone who understands the bigger picture.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask during the interview. Inquire about the firm's approach to planning strategy or how they support professional development. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and your proactive mindset.
