Associate Planning Solicitor

Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a talented Planning Solicitor with 4-8 years of PQE to join their Birmingham team. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on high-profile energy and infrastructure projects, contributing to the UK's largest dedicated planning practice. You'll be part of a collaborative team, engaging with big-name clients while making a significant impact on major projects in the Midlands. If you're passionate about planning law and eager to make your mark, this is the perfect opportunity for you to thrive in a supportive environment that values your expertise and growth.

Qualifications

• 4-8 years PQE in planning law with experience in DCOs and judicial review.
• Technical excellence and commercial awareness are essential.

Responsibilities

• Advise on major offshore wind projects and utility-scale solar farms.
• Support carbon capture projects and strategic planning matters.

Skills

Planning Law

DCOs

Judicial Review

Commercial Awareness

Team Collaboration

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Job description

Planning Solicitor | 4–8 PQE

Top-Tier Energy & Infrastructure Work | Birmingham

An international Top 100 law firm is growing its Birmingham-based Planning team and is looking for a talented solicitor (4–8 PQE) to join the ranks. This is a rare opportunity to work on some of the UK’s most high-profile energy and infrastructure projects, all while being firmly rooted in the Midlands.

Why this role?

You'll be joining the UK’s largest dedicated planning practice – but more importantly, you'll be embedded in a friendly, fast-growing Birmingham team that’s right at the heart of the firm’s national Energy & Infrastructure strategy. Expect big-name clients, complex work, and real impact.

The work is exceptional:

1. Advising Ørsted on DCOs for major offshore wind projects (Hornsea 3 & 4)
2. Leading on the largest utility-scale solar and battery farm DCO in the UK
3. Supporting cutting-edge carbon capture projects for BP, Drax and Cory
4. Advising National Highways on the £1.9bn A303 Stonehenge Tunnel DCO
5. Acting on strategic planning and judicial review matters for nationally significant schemes

What they're looking for:

1. 4–8 years’ PQE in planning law, with experience in consenting, DCOs, TWA, TCPA, EIA/HRA, inquiries or judicial review
2. Ideally from a leading national or regional practice
3. A team player who brings technical excellence, commercial awareness, and energy
4. Someone who’s excited to play a visible role in Birmingham's major project landscape

Why this team?

This team offers the best of both worlds – top-tier work on nationally significant projects with a close-knit, collaborative team. You’ll enjoy a strong local identity, regular client contact, and all the development opportunities of a major international firm.

To find out more about this excellent opportunity, apply below, or alternatively drop me an email with your CV attached to [e-mail] or give me a call on 07451 271468.