Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Planning team to advise on exciting projects and negotiate planning agreements.
- Company: Ward Hadaway, a top UK law firm with a supportive and dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, enhanced pension, 25+ days leave, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values wellbeing and offers excellent career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in planning law while growing your career in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: 1-5 years PQE in planning law with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you a qualified Solicitor working in planning looking for your next challenge in a dynamic and fast paced environment? We're looking for a Solicitor with 1 to 5 years post qualifying experience to join our established Planning team in either Newcastle or Leeds. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a highly successful team, supporting the Partners and Senior Associates across a broad range of planning matters.
What will I be doing
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating Section 106 and other planning agreements for housebuilders, registered providers, landowners and local authorities, including advising major national clients.
- Advising on a broad range of planning law matters, including planning strategy and tactics, and interpreting planning permissions and conditions.
- Working collaboratively on large-scale, high-profile and complex planning projects, including liaising with counsel and supporting inquiries.
- Providing advice on CIL.
- Advising on compulsory acquisition and on development consent / other infrastructure projects, acting for promoters, host authorities, statutory agencies and landowners.
- 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/diversion applications and strategic landowner advice.
- Providing advocacy at hearings, inquiries, planning committees and magistrates’ court proceedings.
- Supporting business development activities.
You'll have
- A minimum of 1 year PQE within a planning role advising on a broad range of matters.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a clear and logical approach.
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to effectively prioritise.
- The ability to work independently using your own initiative as well as working as part of a team.
- A good level of IT proficiency and effective file management skills.
- A proactive approach and a high level of attention to detail.
About us
We're proud to be an independent, full-service law firm providing exceptional legal expertise to businesses, the built environment, healthcare, the public and third sectors, and private individuals. With several office locations around the UK we're one of the UK's Top 100 law firms. When you join us you’ll be part of a team of over 500 passionate and talented individuals who take pride in offering an exciting and supportive environment allowing you to thrive.
We're passionate about promoting wellbeing and equality, diversity and inclusion, with dedicated committees to support ongoing efforts. We recognise that a healthy and thriving Firm filled with individuality and differences strengthen our teams, our clients and our communities.
What we can offer you
- An enhanced pension scheme with employer matched contributions of up to 6%.
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (increasing to 28 days with length of service). There is also the option to purchase up to 5 additional days.
- Life assurance cover of 4 times basic salary, with the option to purchase additional cover.
- A range of health and wellbeing benefits.
- Hybrid working with a minimum requirement of 2 days per week working from one of our office locations.
- We also have a flexible benefits programme where you can purchase a wide range of additional benefits.
If you would like to request further information or to discuss the role, please contact people@wardhadaway.com quoting vacancy reference NTX1200006. If you require any adjustments to be made to our recruitment process, please request a call back via the above email address.
Agencies - please note that we are not currently instructing agents to support with this role. Please do not send speculative CVs.
Solicitor (Planning) employer: Ward Hadaway LLP
Contact Detail:
Ward Hadaway LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor (Planning)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in planning. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and clients. 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. Familiarise yourself with their approach to planning law and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through mock interviews. Grab a mate or mentor and practice answering common solicitor interview questions. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your experience effectively when it counts.
✨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. Let’s get you that dream role in planning!
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor (Planning)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Solicitor (Planning) role. Highlight your relevant experience in planning law and any specific projects you've worked on that align with what we do at Ward Hadaway.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key, use clear and concise language in your application. We want to see how you articulate your thoughts, so don’t hold back on showcasing your written skills!
Be Organised: Demonstrate your strong organisational skills by presenting your application neatly. Use bullet points for clarity and ensure everything is easy to read. A well-structured application reflects your attention to detail, which we value highly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our firm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ward Hadaway LLP
✨Know Your Planning Law
Brush up on the latest developments in planning law and be ready to discuss how they apply to real-world scenarios. This will show your potential employer that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to tackle hypothetical situations during the interview. Think through how you would draft a Section 106 agreement or advise on a planning strategy. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex legal concepts to clients or colleagues. This will demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration
Be ready to discuss your experience working in teams, especially on large-scale projects. Share specific examples of how you contributed to team success and how you liaised with other professionals, as collaboration is crucial in planning law.