Planning Solicitor

Planning Solicitor

Full-Time 50000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Trades Workforce Solutions

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team to handle diverse planning matters and support complex projects.
  • Company: Established law firm with a supportive culture and focus on development.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, discretionary bonus, enhanced pension, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Enjoy a hybrid work environment and a focus on wellbeing and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Gain exposure to high-profile cases while building your expertise and client relationships.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 1-5 years PQE in planning law and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.

A well-established Planning team is looking to hire a Planning Solicitor (1 to 5 PQE) to join its Newcastle office. This is a great chance to work on a varied pipeline of planning matters, supporting senior lawyers on complex projects while developing your own caseload.

You will be advising a broad mix of clients across the built environment, including developers, landowners and public sector bodies, and you will gain exposure to high‑profile work with genuine scope to build your technical expertise and client relationships.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Drafting, reviewing and negotiating Section 106 agreements and other planning agreements
  • Advising on planning strategy, interpreting planning permissions and conditions, and managing planning risk
  • Supporting on large-scale and complex planning projects, including liaising with counsel and assisting with inquiries
  • Advising on Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
  • Advising on compulsory purchase matters and development consent or other infrastructure projects
  • Managing planning enforcement, certificates of lawfulness, judicial review matters and related court proceedings
  • Advising on highways and public rights of way matters, including stopping up and diversion applications
  • Providing advocacy at hearings, inquiries, planning committees and magistrates’ court proceedings (where appropriate)
  • Supporting business development and helping to grow client relationships

What We’re Looking For

  • Qualified Solicitor with at least 1 year PQE in planning law
  • Experience advising across a broad range of planning matters (including agreements, advisory work and contentious elements)
  • Clear, confident communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Strong organisation and time management, with the ability to prioritise competing deadlines
  • A proactive approach, good attention to detail, and the confidence to work independently when needed
  • Comfortable working collaboratively as part of a team

What’s On Offer

  • £50,000 to £70,000 salary (depending on experience)
  • Discretionary bonus
  • Enhanced pension with employer matched contributions up to 6%
  • 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (increasing with service), with the option to buy additional leave
  • Life assurance (4x basic salary), with the option to purchase additional cover
  • Hybrid working, with a minimum requirement of 2 days per week in the Newcastle office
  • A range of health and wellbeing benefits
  • Flexible benefits programme
  • Supportive culture with a focus on development, wellbeing and inclusion

This is a permanent, full-time role based in Newcastle, with hybrid working.

Planning Solicitor employer: Trades Workforce Solutions

Join a well-established Planning team in Newcastle, where you will have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of planning matters while developing your own caseload. With a supportive culture that prioritises employee growth and wellbeing, you will benefit from a competitive salary, enhanced pension contributions, and flexible working arrangements, all within a vibrant city known for its rich history and community spirit.

Trades Workforce Solutions

Contact Details:

Trades Workforce Solutions Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Planning Solicitor

Get Involved in Law Societies

Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.

Tap into Online Legal Communities

Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.

Attend Career Fairs and Workshops

Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Trades Workforce Solutions, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.

Leverage Your University’s Career Services

If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Planning Solicitor

Planning Law
Drafting Section 106 Agreements
Negotiating Planning Agreements
Advising on Planning Strategy
Interpreting Planning Permissions
Managing Planning Risk
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Advisory

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Trades Workforce Solutions, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.

Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.

Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Trades Workforce Solutions and the specific role of Planning Solicitor. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.

Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Trades Workforce Solutions’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at Trades Workforce Solutions

Know Your Legal Principles

Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.

Be Ready for Case Studies

Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.

Show Off Your Research Skills

As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Trades Workforce Solutions.

Exude Professionalism and Confidence

In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Trades Workforce Solutions.