At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on public and private planning matters, manage complex applications, and support clients.
- Company: Join a modern law firm with a people-first culture in Birmingham City Centre.
- Benefits: Enjoy low chargeable hours, hybrid working, 24 days leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Structured training and career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in planning law while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experienced Planning Solicitor with strong drafting and client-handling skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 € per year.
A rare opportunity for a Senior Planning Associate to join a highly regarded planning team in Birmingham City Centre. This role is ideal for an experienced planning lawyer seeking high-quality work within a genuinely people-first, modern law firm. The position offers exposure to a broad mix of public and private sector planning work, working closely within a small planning team recognised in the Legal 500.
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. You will join a collaborative and well-established team with a strong regional and national reputation in planning law.
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
- 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.
Senior Planning Associate in Birmingham employer: William James Recruitment
Join a highly regarded planning team in Birmingham City Centre, where you will experience a genuinely people-first culture and a commitment to work-life balance. With low chargeable hours, hybrid working options, and structured career development pathways, this modern law firm offers an exceptional environment for ambitious planning lawyers looking to thrive in their careers while enjoying meaningful work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Associate in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
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. 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. Show them you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute. Practise common interview questions and think of examples from your experience that highlight your skills in handling complex planning issues.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in making a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that Senior Planning Associate role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Associate in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Planning Associate role. Highlight your experience in planning law, especially any work with public and private sectors. We want to see how your background aligns with the job description!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific projects or experiences that showcase your skills in handling complex planning issues.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since we value collaboration, make sure to highlight your team-oriented approach in your application. Share examples of how you've worked effectively within a team to achieve great results in planning law.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at William James Recruitment
✨Know Your Planning Law
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 Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your ability to handle complex planning issues. Discuss how you've successfully managed planning applications or negotiated agreements, as this will demonstrate your practical skills and confidence.
✨Understand the Firm's Culture
Research the firm’s values and their approach to work-life balance. Be ready to discuss how you align with their people-first ethos and how you can contribute to a collaborative team environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the firm's future direction. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the firm is the right fit for your career ambitions.