At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on planning policy, negotiate agreements, and represent clients in legal matters.
- Company: Top-tier UK firm with a leading Planning & Development team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious firm and make an impact on significant development projects.
- Qualifications: 1.5-3 PQE in planning law with strong advocacy and negotiation skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with diverse clients and manage complex projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A top-tier UK firm is seeking a 1–3 PQE Planning Solicitor to join its highly regarded Planning & Development team. The group advises a diverse range of clients, including local authorities, developers, landowners, and stakeholders, on complex planning, regeneration, and development projects across the UK.
Key Responsibilities & Focus Areas:
- Strategic planning policy & development applications: Advise on policy formation, plan-making, and major development applications, ensuring alignment with local and national planning frameworks.
- Section 106 / planning obligations: Negotiate and draft complex S106 agreements tied to large-scale regeneration and development schemes.
- Highways & associated agreements: Handle legal agreements relating to highways, access, rights of way, and other planning-related obligations.
- Enforcement & litigation: Represent clients in planning enforcement appeals, High Court challenges, and judicial review actions.
- Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs): Assist local authorities in promoting CPOs and represent affected individuals or businesses in compensation claims, including matters before the Lands Chamber and via S17 applications.
Ideal Candidate:
- 1.5–3 PQE with planning law experience, ideally gained at a top-tier City or national firm.
- Comfortable advising on a mix of strategic policy, development applications, complex agreements, and enforcement matters.
- Strong advocacy, drafting, and negotiation skills.
- Commercially aware and client-focused, able to manage multiple stakeholders across projects.
If this has caught your interest, I’d love to hear from you. You can apply via the link or contact me directly at pascale@rutherfordsearch.com or 020 3778 2207.
Planning Solicitor (1.5 - 3 PQE) | London employer: Rutherford
Contact Detail:
Rutherford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Solicitor (1.5 - 3 PQE) | London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning law field. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its recent projects. Show us you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their planning and development team. Tailor your answers to highlight your experience with strategic policy and complex agreements.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since you’ll be dealing with S106 agreements and other legal obligations, being able to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively can set you apart. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build your confidence.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, hit that apply button and let’s get the conversation started!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Solicitor (1.5 - 3 PQE) | London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience in planning law and highlights relevant skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about planning law and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your advocacy, drafting, and negotiation skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can manage multiple stakeholders, so give us examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rutherford
✨Know Your Planning Law
Brush up on your knowledge of planning law and recent developments in the field. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or legislation that are relevant to the role, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves negotiating complex S106 agreements, think of examples from your past experience where you successfully negotiated terms. Be ready to explain your approach and the outcomes, as this will highlight your practical skills.
✨Understand the Client's Perspective
Demonstrate your commercial awareness by discussing how you would balance the needs of various stakeholders, such as local authorities and developers. This shows that you can think strategically and understand the bigger picture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions related to enforcement appeals or CPOs. Practise articulating your thought process and how you would handle these situations, as it will showcase your problem-solving abilities and legal acumen.