Leeds Planning Senior Associate — High-Impact Development

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

National UK law firm in Leeds seeks a Planning Senior Associate or Managing Associate to join a growing Planning and Environment group. You will advise on planning law, draft Section 106 and highways agreements, and support due diligence for property and corporate transactions.

The role offers high-quality work across development sectors, strong progression, a supportive culture, and flexible working. Salary range £75,000–£105,000 plus bonus and benefits.

Qualifications

• Ideally 3 to 8 years’ PQE with directly relevant planning experience.
• Experience of Section 106 agreements and highways/statutory agreements
• Experience supporting transactional due diligence (property and/or corporate)
• Comfortable advising on contentious planning work (inquiries/hearings and court challenges/judicial reviews)
• Experience in DCOs and/or large regeneration schemes is desirable
• Strong commercial awareness and a practical, solutions-led approach
• A collaborative style and commitment to high standards of client service

Responsibilities

• Advising on planning and associated law, providing clear, pragmatic and commercial guidance
• Drafting and negotiating Section 106 agreements
• Advising on highways and other statutory agreements
• Supporting due diligence for property and corporate transactions
• Advising on contentious planning matters, including inquiries/hearings and court challenges/judicial reviews
• Supporting wider team growth through strong client service and contribution to business development

Skills

Planning law

Commercial advice

Due diligence

Regulatory compliance

Client service

Education

Qualified solicitor

Job description

National UK law firm in Leeds seeks a Planning Senior Associate or Managing Associate to join a growing Planning and Environment group. You will advise on planning law, draft Section 106 and highways agreements, and support due diligence for property and corporate transactions.

The role offers high-quality work across development sectors, strong progression, a supportive culture, and flexible working. Salary range £75,000–£105,000 plus bonus and benefits.