Planning Associate

BCL Legal; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international law firm is seeking a talented Planning Associate to join its highly regarded Planning & Environmental team in London. This role offers the opportunity to work on high-profile regeneration projects, advising on planning applications and drafting agreements. Ideal candidates will be qualified solicitors with 1-5 PQE in planning law, possessing strong attention to detail and commercial judgement.

Benefits

Clear career development framework

Structured mentoring

Equity, diversity, inclusion commitment

Qualifications

• 1-5 PQE in planning law required.
• Strong academic background and proven technical excellence.
• Exceptional attention to detail and proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Advising on complex planning applications.
• Drafting and negotiating Section 106 and Section 278 agreements.
• Managing public inquiry work.

Skills

Advising on complex planning applications

Drafting and negotiating agreements

Providing planning and environmental advice

Managing enforcement matters

Building strong client relationships

Commercial judgement

Education

Qualified solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

Overview

Planning Associate | International Law Firm | London

A leading international law firm is seeking a talented Planning Associate to join its highly regarded Planning & Environmental team, in London. This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious planning solicitor to work on some of the UK's most high-profile regeneration and development projects, alongside recognised experts in the field.

The Opportunity

The firm's Planning team advises a diverse client base across both public and private sectors, including local authorities, registered providers, developers, landowners and government bodies. You will be exposed to a wide range of contentious and non-contentious planning matters, with the chance to work closely with specialist colleagues in Public Sector, Real Estate, Construction and Corporate law.

Responsibilities

• Advising on complex planning applications, including legal reviews and strategic guidance.
• Drafting and negotiating Section 106 and Section 278 agreements.
• Providing planning and environmental advice across major regeneration, housing and infrastructure projects.
• Acting for planning authorities and registered providers on CPO work.
• Managing enforcement matters and public inquiry work.
• Conducting planning due diligence on major commercial and corporate transactions.
• Building strong, lasting relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
• Participating in business development and profile-raising initiatives.
• Supporting the training and development of junior team members.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor (England & Wales) 1-5 PQE in planning law.
• Strong academic background and proven technical excellence.
• Ability to manage files independently, with sound commercial judgement.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a proactive, solution-focused approach.
• Confident communicator, able to build rapport with clients and colleagues alike.

Benefits

• Develop your expertise on high-value, nationally significant matters.
• Work alongside respected market leaders with a proven track record in major regeneration schemes.
• Benefit from a clear career development framework and structured mentoring.
• Join a forward-thinking firm committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and sustainability.

If you are ready to take the next step in your planning law career and play a key role in shaping the built environment, we want to hear from you.

BCL Legal is an equal opportunities employer.