At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to handle complex planning and environmental projects.
- Company: Womble Bond Dickinson, a leading law firm in Edinburgh with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to work on iconic developments.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing team making a real impact in Scotland's planning sector.
- Qualifications: 7+ years legal experience in planning, infrastructure, and environmental work.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth and collaboration with top lawyers.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join our highly regarded Planning team in the heart of Edinburgh and play a key role in the continued growth of Womble Bond Dickinson's presence in Scotland. Our Edinburgh office offers the best of both worlds: the energy and ambition of a rapidly expanding hub, combined with the culture, collaboration and high-calibre work you'd expect from an international firm.
Womble Bond Dickinson is one of the leading law firms in Edinburgh, with 10 years of experience in Scotland. Having invested vast knowledge and resources supporting Scottish-based businesses, helping them to succeed and grow, our Edinburgh office is well-positioned to support a wide variety of clients across all key sectors. The office itself, based in the heart of the city rich in history and impressive architecture, is home to a talented team of solicitors whose primary focus is to ensure all clients receive in-depth, comprehensive and effective legal support and we are now looking for a Senior Planning Lawyer to join them.
As the firm's newest office, it is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing team, and to be a part of the rising profile of the office within the firm, and of WBD in Scotland. The quality of the team in Scotland is already delivering fantastic opportunities in our key sectors, and with the energetic Edinburgh team behind it, the office is going from strength to strength!
Our Real Estate Planning team are widely regarded as one of the best in the UK advising on some of the most iconic developments. Whether it is offshore wind farms located 40 kilometres out to sea, major residential schemes including garden villages and regeneration, new rail and road projects, airport developments, or waste and mineral projects; we are instructed on all of them.
What will you be doing?
Our national team offers clients a full spectrum of expertise and handles a range of complex mandates in the residential, commercial and infrastructure and environmental and waste sectors, as well as contentious work in Judicial Review and Lands Chamber proceedings.
What does the ideal candidate look like?
Due to the growth in our work, as well as the variety and complexity of the projects we are working on, this role needs strong experience in planning, infrastructure and environmental work as well as a genuine enthusiasm to develop our great team. This role will see you working on large scale development consent orders, compulsory acquisitions, giving strategic planning advice, reviewing environmental statements, assisting with project management and supporting our national real estate practice. The role offers an unrivalled opportunity to work on a wide range of premium level planning work outside of the City.
We've seen a significant increase in the work we undertake for major infrastructure providers and would like to hear from you if you have both the passion and expertise in this area. There are great opportunities to work with truly talented lawyers at the top of their field across our offices.
To be successful in this role you'll need as a minimum:
- A legal qualification with 7+ years post-admission experience gained within a planning team.
- Knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and some knowledge of the Planning Act 2008 is desirable.
- Experience of and able to lead on complex planning agreements.
- Experience of highway agreements.
- Ability to handle inquiries/examinations and judicial reviews relating to planning matters.
- Experience managing & supervising more junior members of the team.
- Knowledge and experience of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
- Whilst not required, experience of compulsory acquisition is also desirable.
Senior Planning Lawyer (Edinburgh) employer: Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Contact Detail:
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Lawyer (Edinburgh)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning and legal sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Womble Bond Dickinson. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or colleagues, be ready to discuss your experience with complex planning agreements and environmental assessments. Share specific examples of your work that highlight your skills and passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in planning law and major projects in Scotland. Being knowledgeable about current developments will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining Womble Bond Dickinson specifically. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in planning and infrastructure.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Lawyer (Edinburgh)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Planning Lawyer role. Highlight your experience in planning, infrastructure, and environmental work, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've worked on!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for joining our Edinburgh team and how your skills align with the exciting projects we handle. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Expertise: In your application, be sure to showcase your knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and any experience with Environmental Impact Assessments. We want to see how you can contribute to our high-calibre work!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our growing team in Edinburgh!
How to prepare for a job interview at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
✨Know Your Planning Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and any relevant case law. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've applied this knowledge in your previous roles will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also the practical application.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with large-scale development consent orders and how you've managed complex planning agreements. Highlighting your ability to lead projects and coordinate with various stakeholders will demonstrate your readiness for this senior role.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership
Since this role involves managing and supervising junior team members, be ready to share examples of how you've mentored others in the past. Discuss your leadership style and how you foster collaboration within a team to achieve successful outcomes.
✨Be Enthusiastic About Growth
Express your genuine enthusiasm for contributing to the growth of the Edinburgh office and the wider firm. Share your vision for how you can help elevate the team's profile and success in Scotland, as well as your passion for working on iconic developments.