Planning Solicitor

Planning Solicitor

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Simpson Judge

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Advise clients on planning law and manage diverse projects from start to finish.
  • Company: Join a growing, collaborative Planning team with a supportive culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, and enhanced holiday entitlement.
  • Other info: Great opportunities for training and support in a flexible work setting.
  • Why this job: Work on high-quality projects and develop your career in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 1-6 years' PQE in planning law and strong organisational skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and ambitious Planning Solicitor to join a growing and collaborative Planning team. The role offers flexibility in office base across regional locations, with occasional travel between offices. You will work on a diverse range of planning matters across residential, commercial, retail, agricultural, and renewable energy developments. The client base includes national housebuilders, regional developers, landowners, promoters, and public sector organisations, offering exposure to high-quality and varied work. This is a supportive team environment, led by experienced practitioners who are committed to providing strong guidance and career development opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Advise clients on all aspects of planning law, ensuring high standards of client service and commercially focused advice
  • Manage client relationships from instruction through to billing and payment collection
  • Draft and review legal documentation, including development agreements and related court proceedings
  • Manage matters from start to finish, ensuring timely progression and delivery
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues across the team and wider business
  • Ensure compliance with all internal procedures, regulatory requirements, and file management standards
  • Liaise with and update senior lawyers as required

About You

  • Qualified Solicitor with 1-6 years' PQE in planning law
  • Strong understanding of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and associated legislation
  • Experience advising on planning matters and drafting client advice
  • Ability to draft Section 106 agreements and infrastructure agreements (highways, drainage etc.) and manage them through to completion
  • Knowledge of enforcement matters, including CLEUDs and CLOPUDs
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a busy workload and client base

Desirable Experience

  • Experience instructing Counsel and handling planning appeals or judicial review/statutory challenges
  • Knowledge of Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment
  • Exposure to Development Consent Orders and Compulsory Purchase matters
  • Experience delivering presentations, seminars, or webinars
  • Supervisory experience or willingness to support junior team members

What's on Offer

  • Exposure to high-quality planning work across major development projects
  • Strong training, support, and career development opportunities
  • Collaborative and supportive team culture
  • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
  • Competitive salary and benefits package, including bonus scheme, private medical cover, enhanced holiday entitlement, and wellbeing initiative

Planning Solicitor employer: Simpson Judge

Join a dynamic and supportive Planning team where your career can flourish through exposure to high-quality planning work across diverse development projects. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive training opportunities, this role offers an excellent environment for professional growth and a rewarding work-life balance. Enjoy competitive benefits including a bonus scheme and private medical cover, all while contributing to impactful projects in a thriving sector.
Simpson Judge

Contact Detail:

Simpson Judge Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Planning Solicitor

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the planning law field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

✨Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with planning matters and your understanding of the Town and Country Planning Act. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships or drafted key legal documents.

✨Be Ready for Interviews

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions related to planning law and your past experiences. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and don’t forget to have a few questions ready to show your interest in the role and the team.

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Planning Solicitor role! We love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged, so make sure your application stands out by showcasing your passion for planning law.

We think you need these skills to ace Planning Solicitor

Planning Law
Client Relationship Management
Legal Documentation Drafting
Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Section 106 Agreements
Infrastructure Agreements
Enforcement Matters Knowledge
Organisational Skills
Advising on Planning Matters
Experience with Planning Appeals
Environmental Impact Assessment Knowledge
Development Consent Orders Knowledge
Presentation Skills
Supervisory Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your PQE in planning law and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you fit into our collaborative Planning team!

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 your experience aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 – we love that stuff!

Showcase Your Client Management Skills: Since managing client relationships is key, share examples of how you've successfully advised clients or handled complex matters. We’re looking for someone who can deliver high standards of client service, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past.

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. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Simpson Judge

✨Know Your Planning Law

Brush up on the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and any recent changes in planning legislation. Being able to discuss specific cases or examples where you've applied this knowledge will show your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.

✨Showcase Your Client Management Skills

Prepare to discuss how you've managed client relationships in the past. Think of examples where you’ve successfully navigated complex situations, ensuring high standards of service. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the diverse client base they work with.

✨Be Ready to Discuss Documentation

Familiarise yourself with drafting Section 106 agreements and other legal documents relevant to planning law. Bring examples of your previous work if possible, as this will highlight your practical experience and readiness for the role.

✨Emphasise Team Collaboration

Since the role involves working closely with colleagues, be prepared to talk about your experience in collaborative environments. Share instances where teamwork led to successful outcomes, showcasing your ability to fit into their supportive team culture.

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