Associate – Planning

Jobtailor; Exeter; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Exeter seeks a qualified solicitor with up to 5 years' experience in planning work to advise private and public sector clients on planning and environmental matters. The role involves cross-team collaboration with Public Sector, Real Estate, Construction and Corporate teams, handling complex applications and providing strategic guidance.

You will support planning partners, contribute to business development, and mentor junior staff while maintaining rigorous Lexcel standards and

Qualifications

• Proven ability to take on responsibility and manage files independently
• Strong academic record
• Exceptional technical legal skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Unwavering client focus with track record of superior service delivery
• Sharp commercial awareness and strategic thinking capabilities
• Natural credibility in client-facing situations
• Methodical, disciplined and highly organised approach to complex matters
• Outstanding communication skills across all mediums and audiences
• Candidates subject to employment screening background checks

Responsibilities

• Advise private- and public-sector clients on contentious and non-contentious planning and environmental matters
• Work closely with Public Sector, Real Estate, Construction and Corporate teams
• Handle complex planning applications through legal reviews and strategic advice
• Advise on Section 106 and Section 278 agreements
• Provide planning advice on major development schemes in waste, affordable housing and private developer sectors
• Act for planning authorities and registered providers in relation to compulsory purchase orders
• Handle enforcement issues and public inquiry work
• Conduct planning due diligence on commercial and corporate transactions
• Build and maintain effective client relationships
• Train and develop junior legal staff and secretaries where appropriate

Skills

Planning Law

Client Relationship

Strategic Thinking

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

Solicitor (Qualified)

Tools

Lexcel Compliance

Job description

• Advise private- and public-sector clients on contentious and non-contentious planning and environmental matters
• Work closely with Public Sector, Real Estate, Construction and Corporate teams
• Work seamlessly with colleagues and clients across the country
• Support planning partners Jacqueline Backhaus, Rory Stracey and Rob Walker
• Assist in the future development of the firm's planning offering inside and outside London
• Handle complex planning applications through legal reviews and strategic advice
• Advise on Section 106 and Section 278 agreements
• Provide planning advice on major development schemes in the waste, affordable housing and private developer sectors
• Act for planning authorities and registered providers in relation to compulsory purchase order work
• Handle enforcement issues and public inquiry work
• Conduct planning due diligence on commercial and corporate transactions
• Build and maintain effective client relationships
• Participate actively in marketing initiatives
• Manage files in compliance with Lexcel procedures
• Participate in firm-wide and departmental training sessions
• Train and develop junior legal staff and secretaries where appropriate

Requirements

• Proven ability to take on responsibility and manage files, independently where appropriate
• Qualified solicitor with up to 5 years' experience in planning work
• Strong academic record
• Exceptional technical legal skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Unwavering client focus with a track record of superior service delivery
• Sharp commercial awareness and strategic thinking capabilities
• Natural credibility and gravitas in client-facing situations
• Methodical, disciplined and highly organised approach to complex matters
• Outstanding communication skills across all mediums and audiences
• Candidates are subject to employment screening background checks, including personal details, education and employment history, professional qualifications, and credit and criminal checks as appropriate

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in planning law and environmental matters, with a strong focus on client relationships and strategic advice. Proven ability to manage complex planning applications and compliance with legal standards while training and developing junior staff.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Qualified Solicitor
• Planning Law Expertise
• Client Relationship Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Exceptional Communication Skills

Hard Skills

• Planning Applications
• Section 106 Agreements
• Section 278 Agreements
• Compulsory Purchase Orders
• Planning Due Diligence
• Legal ReviewsStrategic Advice
• File Management
• Lexcel Compliance
• Training and Development

Soft Skills

• Client Focus
• Attention to Detail
• Commercial Awareness
• Organizational Skills
• Methodical Approach

Industry Keywords

• Public Sector
• Real Estate
• Construction
• Environmental Matters
• Affordable Housing
• Private Developer
• Marketing Initiatives
• Legal Training
• Client-Facing Situations
• Employment Screening