Paralegal Placement - Planning and Environmental Law - Northamptonshire

Accutrainee; Northampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent planning and environmental law firm in Northamptonshire is seeking a Planning Paralegal. This role involves supporting solicitors on sustainable development and ESG-related matters, providing a unique opportunity to gain Qualifying Work Experience towards solicitor qualification. Ideal candidates will have a 2:1 degree in Law, strong research and communication skills, and a proactive approach to work. Join us to make an impactful contribution to sustainable development and community initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 degree (achieved or expected) in Law or a related discipline.
• Strong research, drafting, and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Support solicitors on planning and ESG-related matters.
• Contribute to sustainable development projects.
• Assist with environmental and biodiversity law.
• Conduct legal research on planning issues.

Skills

Research skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

2:1 degree in Law or related discipline

Job description

Planning Paralegal

Location: Northamptonshire (full-time office presence required)

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

The Opportunity

Accuflex is delighted to partner with a highly regarded planning and environmental law firm in their search for a Planning Paralegal. The firm is recognised nationally for its work on sustainable development, regeneration, and environmental impact projects, advising both private and public sector clients on some of the UK’s most complex and high-profile matters.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated paralegal to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of law, planning, and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance). You will be involved in projects that shape communities, protect heritage, and drive sustainability. Importantly, the role will also count as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) towards solicitor qualification under the SQE pathway.

The Role

As a Planning Paralegal, you will provide support to the firm’s solicitors on a variety of planning and ESG-related matters, including:

• Sustainable development projects – contributing to regeneration and community initiatives
• Environmental and biodiversity law – supporting work on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and environmental impact assessments
• Social and governance considerations – assisting with projects that balance housing, infrastructure, heritage, and community needs
• Conducting legal research on planning and environmental issues
• Preparing applications, appeals, and supporting documents for inquiries and hearings
• Drafting and reviewing planning agreements and related documents
• Liaising with stakeholders including developers, local authorities, and community groups
• Providing general case management and administrative support

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual with a genuine interest in planning, sustainability, and ESG. You should have:

• A minimum 2:1 degree (achieved or expected) in Law or a related discipline
• Strong research, drafting, and organisational skills
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team
• A proactive, flexible approach and strong attention to detail
• A desire to build expertise in planning and environmental law within the ESG context.
• Previous experience as a paralegal can be beneficial.

This role is well-suited to candidates considering a career in planning or environmental law, whether as a long-term paralegal or as a stepping stone towards qualification as a solicitor.

Apply Now

If you are an ambitious paralegal eager to work on high-impact ESG and planning projects, contribute to sustainable development, and gain Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) towards solicitor qualification, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role.