Planning Associate Solicitor

Planning Associate Solicitor (1–5 PQE) | West End | Legal 500 & Spears Ranked Firm

Are you a Planning Solicitor looking to develop your career within one of London's leading real estate-focused law firms?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded Planning team, working alongside two respected planning partners on complex development projects for an impressive client base of developers, investors, landowners, family offices, local authorities and financial institutions.

The Firm

This firm has one of the most well-respected names across the West End. Ranked in the Legal 500 and recognised by Spears, it has built an outstanding reputation for advising entrepreneurial businesses, property investors, developers and high-net-worth individuals across a broad range of commercial matters.

The firm has enjoyed sustained growth through strategic hires, strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional client service. Its collaborative culture is one of its greatest strengths, with lawyers benefiting from genuine partner access, excellent mentoring and early responsibility from the outset.

Known for its entrepreneurial approach, the firm embraces innovation and modern ways of working while maintaining a personable, supportive environment where ambitious lawyers are encouraged to build long-term careers.

The Team

The Planning team forms an integral part of the firm's highly regarded Real Estate practice, working alongside market-leading lawyers across Real Estate, Construction and Real Estate Finance to advise on the planning aspects of significant development projects throughout London and across the UK.

Led by two experienced Planning Partners, the team advises a broad spectrum of clients including developers, investors, landowners, family offices, local authorities and financial institutions on complex planning matters across residential, mixed-use, commercial and strategic development schemes.

The team is involved throughout the entire lifecycle of developments, from site acquisition and planning strategy through to implementation and delivery, providing commercially focused advice that helps clients unlock value and successfully deliver projects.

The Role

The firm is seeking a Planning Associate (1–5 PQE) to join its growing team.

This role offers exposure to a wide range of planning and development matters, working closely with experienced partners while taking on meaningful responsibility and building strong client relationships from an early stage.

You will advise on matters including:

• Planning strategy for residential, mixed-use and commercial developments
• Drafting and negotiating Section 106 Agreements, Section 278 Agreements and other planning and infrastructure documentation
• Planning applications, planning conditions and planning obligations
• Development and regeneration projects
• Planning appeals, enforcement matters and judicial review/statutory challenge work
• Rights of light, heritage, environmental and highways issues
• Supporting property development and investment transactions
• Working closely with the firm's Real Estate, Construction and Finance teams to deliver seamless advice across complex development projects
• Building trusted relationships with developers, investors, landowners and property businesses

This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor who enjoys working closely with clients and wants to develop genuine expertise across the full spectrum of planning law. You'll gain exposure to high-value, high-profile development work while benefiting from close partner mentoring and excellent opportunities for progression.

Requirements

• 1–5 years' PQE (England & Wales)
• Experience gained within a recognised planning practice
• Experience advising on planning and highways agreements, planning applications and planning obligations
• Exposure to development, regeneration and property development matters
• Experience negotiating with local authorities would be advantageous
• Strong commercial awareness and an interest in the real estate and development sector
• Excellent drafting, communication and client relationship skills
• A collaborative approach and ambition to contribute to the continued growth of the team

This is an outstanding opportunity for a Planning Solicitor to join a highly regarded West End firm, working alongside recognised experts on some of the UK's most significant development projects while enjoying excellent mentoring, early responsibility and a clear pathway for progression.

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