At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on diverse planning matters and manage complex applications with autonomy.
- Company: Modern law firm prioritising people and work-life balance in Birmingham City Centre.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and structured career development.
- Other info: Low chargeable hours target and supportive environment for long-term progression.
- Why this job: Join a top-tier team and make a real impact in planning law.
- 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.
This position offers exposure to a broad mix of public and private sector planning work, working closely within a small planning team who are 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.
As a Senior Planning Associate, 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
- 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.
Contact: Samuel Doughty
Senior Planning Solicitor – Birmingham (Hybrid) employer: William James Recruitment
Join a leading law firm in Birmingham City Centre that prioritises its people, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment. As a Senior Planning Associate, you will benefit from low chargeable hours, hybrid working options, and a strong focus on professional development, ensuring a fulfilling career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. With exposure to high-quality planning work and a team recognised in the Legal 500, this role is perfect for ambitious lawyers looking to thrive in a modern legal practice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Solicitor – Birmingham (Hybrid)
✨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. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with complex planning issues and your collaborative approach. We want to see how you can contribute to their team, so share specific examples of your past successes!
✨Research the Firm
Before any interview, do your homework on the firm’s recent projects and their reputation in the planning sector. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your answers to show how you fit into their culture and goals. We love candidates who are genuinely interested!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior Planning Associate role! We’re all about making the application process smooth and straightforward, so take advantage of it and let us see what you’ve got!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Solicitor – Birmingham (Hybrid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Planning Associate role. Highlight your background in planning law and any relevant projects you've worked on, as this will show us you're the right fit for our 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 you can contribute to our collaborative team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Autonomy:We value candidates who can manage matters with a high degree of autonomy. In your application, share examples of when you've successfully handled complex planning issues independently, as this will demonstrate your capability to thrive in our environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you'll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team in Birmingham!
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 experience with complex planning applications and negotiations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨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, the types of projects you'll be working on, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
