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- Tasks: Advise on complex planning projects and mentor junior lawyers in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Leading Real Estate Planning team shaping the UK's built environment.
- Benefits: Top-tier work quality, balanced work-life, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile development projects across the UK.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 5+ years' experience in planning law and strong knowledge of relevant acts.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a focus on innovative infrastructure solutions.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
I’m working with a Real Estate Planning team that is genuinely shaping the future of the built environment in the UK. This is a group widely recognised for advising on some of the most complex and high‑profile development projects in the country, from major residential schemes and regeneration projects to nationally significant infrastructure, transport, aviation, energy and environmental work. The variety and scale of what they do means no two days are the same, and the impact of the advice given here is very real.
The team operates on a national basis and offers clients a full spectrum of planning expertise. Their work spans residential and commercial development, major infrastructure and environmental and waste projects, alongside a strong contentious practice including judicial review and Lands Chamber proceedings. The quality of work is genuinely top tier and rivals what you would expect to see in the City, while offering a more balanced and sustainable working environment.
Due to continued growth and increasing demand from major infrastructure providers, the firm is now looking to add an experienced Senior Planning Lawyer to the team. This is a role for someone who enjoys working on complex, technically demanding matters and wants to be part of a collaborative, ambitious national practice.
You’ll be advising on large‑scale development consent orders, providing strategic planning advice, leading on complex planning and highway agreements, reviewing environmental statements and EIAs, supporting project management on major schemes and, where relevant, assisting with compulsory acquisition work. You’ll also play a key role in mentoring junior lawyers and contributing to the ongoing development of the team.
The ideal person will be a qualified solicitor with at least five years’ post‑qualification experience gained within a planning team, with strong knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and some familiarity with the Planning Act 2008. You’ll be comfortable leading on complex planning agreements, handling highway agreements and managing inquiries, examinations and judicial reviews. Experience supervising junior team members and a solid understanding of Environmental Impact Assessments will be important, and while compulsory acquisition experience isn’t essential, it would be a welcome addition.
What really sets this opportunity apart is the chance to work alongside truly outstanding planning lawyers on premium‑level work, outside of the traditional City environment. If you’re passionate about planning and infrastructure, enjoy seeing your work make a tangible difference, and are looking for a role that combines quality, variety and progression, I’d be very happy to have a confidential conversation.
Planning Senior Associate/Legal Director - 5+ PQE in Edinburgh employer: QED Legal LLP
Contact Detail:
QED Legal LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Senior Associate/Legal Director - 5+ PQE in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in the planning and legal sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with complex planning agreements and environmental assessments. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenging projects to demonstrate your value.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on your knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Planning Act 2008. Be ready to discuss how these laws impact your work and how you can apply them to real-world scenarios in the role you're aiming for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our collaborative team that’s shaping the future of the built environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Senior Associate/Legal Director - 5+ PQE in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Planning Senior Associate/Legal Director role. Highlight your experience with complex planning agreements and any relevant projects you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about planning and infrastructure, and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your experience mentoring junior lawyers!
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Planning Act 2008 in your application. This will show us that you’re not just familiar with the law, but that you’re ready to tackle the challenges of this role head-on.
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 from our team. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at QED Legal LLP
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Planning Act 2008. Being able to discuss these acts confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the law, but that you can apply it to real-world scenarios, which is crucial for this role.
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Prepare specific examples of complex planning agreements or major infrastructure projects you've worked on. Highlight your role in these projects, especially any leadership or mentoring you provided to junior team members. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the responsibilities of the position.
✨Understand the Firm's Impact
Research the firm’s recent projects and their impact on the built environment. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their ongoing success and how your values align with their mission. This shows genuine interest and helps you stand out as a candidate who is invested in their work.
✨Prepare Questions About Team Dynamics
Think about what you want to know regarding the team culture and collaboration within the firm. Asking insightful questions about how they support each other on complex cases or how they approach mentoring can highlight your interest in being part of a collaborative environment.
