At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on complex planning matters and manage your own caseload.
- Company: Join a supportive firm with a focus on sustainable legal practice.
- Benefits: Gain early exposure to high-value work with direct partner support.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic team environment.
- Why this job: Build your career in planning law while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
- Qualifications: Newly qualified or up to 5 years’ PQE in planning law.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
The Opportunity
We are looking for a Planning Solicitor with up to 5 years’ PQE to join our specialist team, advising on a broad range of complex and high-value planning matters. You will support a diverse client base including high-net-worth individuals, developers, landowners, businesses and public sector organisations on projects that shape the built and natural environment. Working closely with highly experienced colleagues and partners, you will gain early exposure to sophisticated work, strategic decision-making and client relationships from the outset. This role offers the opportunity to develop broad expertise across planning law, including applications and appeals, enforcement, judicial review and infrastructure matters, while building a long‑term career in a firm that combines high-quality work with a more balanced and sustainable approach to practice. Alongside supporting the wider team, you will manage your own caseload and take real responsibility for matters, with direct partner support and mentoring throughout your development.
What You Will Be Doing
- You will advise on a wide range of planning and development matters, including:
- Planning applications, appeals and objections
- Section 106 agreements and highways agreements (s38/s278)
- High Court challenges and Judicial Review
- Enforcement, prosecutions and lawlessness matters, including Certificates of Lawfulness
- Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO), village greens and public rights of way
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) matters
You will work across both contentious and non-contentious matters, providing clear, commercially focused advice tailored to clients’ objectives.
What Sets This Role Apart
- Partner‑led from day one: You will work directly with partners from the outset, gaining exposure and experience that many solicitors take years to access elsewhere.
- High‑quality work: Our matters are complex, high‑value and often bespoke, delivered to the standards clients would expect from much larger firms.
- A more balanced way of working: We believe exceptional legal work should be delivered sustainably. Our approach to workload and billing supports long‑term career development without compromising wellbeing.
About You
We are looking for a confident, commercially minded solicitor who is keen to develop within a specialist planning team. You will:
- Be newly qualified up to 5 years’ PQE
- Have experience in planning law across contentious and non-contentious matters
- Demonstrate a commercial approach and the ability to work to deadlines
- Be confident managing multiple matters and delivering excellent client service
- Have strong communication skills and be comfortable working with a broad range of clients
- Have excellent attention to detail and a commitment to quality
Experience in environmental, energy or regulatory matters would be beneficial, but is not essential. You will also be willing to contribute to business development and marketing activity where appropriate.
Apply for This Role
If you are looking to build your planning law career within a supportive, high-performing team that combines quality work with a sustainable approach to practice, we would love to hear from you.
NQ Planning Solicitor in England employer: Sellick Partnership
Join a leading firm that prioritises your professional growth and wellbeing as a NQ Planning Solicitor. With direct partner support and exposure to high-value, complex cases from day one, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that values sustainable work practices. Our commitment to quality and balanced workloads ensures you can develop your expertise while enjoying a fulfilling career in planning law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NQ Planning Solicitor in England
✨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. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create a portfolio that highlights your experience in planning law. Whether it’s case studies, articles, or presentations, having tangible evidence of your skills can set you apart. Share this on your LinkedIn profile and during interviews to demonstrate your knowledge and passion.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the firm and its recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their work in planning law. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can showcase your commercial mindset and client service skills.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives us a chance to see your application in the best light. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace NQ Planning Solicitor in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Planning Solicitor role. Highlight any relevant planning law experience, especially in contentious and non-contentious matters, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for planning law and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your commercial mindset and client service skills.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:We value strong communication skills, so make sure your application is clear and concise. Whether it’s your CV, cover letter, or any additional documents, keep it professional yet personable to give us a glimpse of your character.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sellick Partnership
✨Know Your Planning Law
Brush up on key areas of planning law relevant to the role, such as applications, appeals, and enforcement. Being able to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation will show your passion and knowledge in the field.
✨Showcase Your Client Service Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage client relationships effectively. Think about times when you delivered excellent service or resolved a challenging situation, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Understand the business side of planning law. Be ready to discuss how your advice can align with clients' commercial objectives, especially when it comes to high-value projects and strategic decision-making.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm's approach to workload and sustainability. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also in how the firm values work-life balance and long-term career development.
