At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on public and private planning matters, handling complex applications and agreements.
- Company: Modern law firm in Birmingham City Centre with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy low chargeable hours and a collaborative, ambitious work environment.
- Why this job: Join a top-tier team and make a real impact in planning law.
- Qualifications: Senior Planning Solicitor with 4-8 years PQE and strong planning law background.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
A rare opportunity for a Senior Planning Solicitor to join a highly regarded planning team in Birmingham City Centre. This Planning Solicitor role is ideal for an experienced planning lawyer seeking high‐quality work within a genuinely people‐first, modern law firm, with an entire team Legal 500 named.
This Planning Solicitor role offers exposure to a broad mix of public and private sector planning work, working closely within a small planning team. The role combines excellent quality instructions with realistic chargeable hours, making it an attractive long‐term career move for planning lawyers seeking balance without sacrificing profile or complexity of work.
The Role:
- Advising on a wide range of public and private planning matters
- Acting on complex planning applications, appeals and enforcement issues
- Supporting developers, landowners, local authorities and corporate clients
- Advising on planning aspects of commercial and residential development projects
- Drafting and negotiating planning agreements including section 106 agreements
- Working closely with senior lawyers recognised in the Legal 500
- Managing matters with a high degree of autonomy
- Contributing to client relationships and wider business development activity
The Candidate:
- Experienced Planning Solicitor at Senior Associate level (4 - 8 PQE)
- Strong background in planning law across public and private sector
- Confident handling complex planning issues with minimal supervision
- Commercially aware with a practical, solutions‐focused approach
- Strong drafting, advisory and client‐handling skills
- Comfortable working directly with developers and public bodies
- Team‐oriented with a collaborative working style
- Ambitious and seeking long‐term progression within a high‐quality planning practice
The Benefits and How to Apply:
- Low chargeable hours target with a genuine emphasis on work‐life balance
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- 24 days annual leave + bank holidays, additional Christmas closure and option to buy more
- 8% pension scheme (4% employer contribution)
- Life assurance at 4x salary
- Health cash plan, virtual GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
- Structured training, mentoring and long‐term career development pathways
Apply in the strictest of confidence online or via telephone.
Planning Solicitor in Birmingham employer: William James Recruitment
Join a leading law firm in Birmingham City Centre that prioritises its people, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on work-life balance, low chargeable hours, and structured career development opportunities, this role as a Planning Solicitor provides the chance to engage in high-quality planning work while enjoying flexible working arrangements and comprehensive benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Solicitor in Birmingham
✨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 open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with complex planning issues. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in public and private sector planning work. This will show them you’re the real deal!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every firm is different, so do your homework! Understand the culture and values of the firm you're applying to, like the people-first approach mentioned in the job description. Tailor your conversations and questions to reflect their ethos, and you'll stand out as a great fit.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Planning Solicitor role! We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application shine, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Solicitor in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planning Solicitor role. Highlight your experience in planning law, especially any public and private sector work you've done. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
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 engaging – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your strong drafting and advisory skills in your application. Mention specific examples of complex planning issues you've handled. We’re keen to see how you approach challenges!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at William James Recruitment
✨Know Your Planning Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in planning law, especially those relevant to both public and private sectors. Being able to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation will show your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Client Handling Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Whether it’s dealing with developers or local authorities, demonstrating your ability to navigate these interactions will be key to impressing the interviewers.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Complex Cases
Think of a few complex planning issues you've handled and be ready to discuss them in detail. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you approached these challenges, as this will showcase your capability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Emphasise Your Team Spirit
Since the role involves working closely within a small team, be prepared to talk about your collaborative experiences. Share instances where you’ve contributed to team success or supported colleagues, as this aligns with the firm’s people-first approach.
