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, and generous leave plus health benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with structured training and mentoring for long-term progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in planning law while maintaining work-life balance and career growth.
- Qualifications: Experienced Planning Solicitor with strong skills in handling complex issues and client relationships.
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 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
- 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 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 seeking meaningful and rewarding employment. Enjoy the benefits of working alongside senior lawyers recognised in the Legal 500 while contributing to impactful public and private sector projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Associate
✨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 Legal 500. This shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you tailor your answers to align with their values. We love seeing candidates who are prepared!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior Planning Associate role! We’ve got all the info you need, and it makes the process smoother for everyone involved. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Planning Associate role. Highlight your experience in planning law and how it aligns with the job description. We want to see how you fit into our people-first culture!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your strong drafting, advisory, and client-handling skills. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your ability to handle complex planning issues with confidence. We love a good story!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. A touch of authenticity can make your application stand out. Remember, we’re looking for team players who are ambitious and collaborative!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our fantastic team!
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 contributed to team success or supported colleagues, as this will align with the firm’s people-first ethos.
