Planning Associate

JMC Legal Recruitment; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Market leading salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Top 25 international law firm in Manchester is seeking a Planning Associate to join a Tier 1 Planning team and handle high-profile, complex matters shaping infrastructure. You will work with the Infrastructure practice and develop your client relationships while delivering strategic planning solutions.

The role requires 2–5 years PQE in planning law, a proactive, commercially minded approach, and a collaborative mindset to support juniors and contribute to business development within a

Qualifications

• 2–5 years PQE in Planning law.
• Experience handling complex planning matters for large clients.
• Proactive, commercially minded with strong client handling and communication.
• Collaborative team player willing to support juniors and contribute to BD.

Responsibilities

• Work on high-profile planning projects within a Tier 1 team.
• Collaborate with the Infrastructure practice to access top client base.
• Develop technical planning expertise and client relationship skills.
• Support junior colleagues and contribute to business development.

Skills

Planning law

Client handling

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Solicitor qualification

Job description

Planning Associate | 2-5 Years PQE | Top 25 International Firm | Manchester

An outstanding opportunity for a Planning Solicitor to join one of the UK's most highly regarded Planning teams at a Top 25 international firm, working on high-profile, complex projects that directly shape the future infrastructure of the country.

The Firm

Recognised globally as one of the leading law firms, this Top 25 international firm holds numerous Tier 1 Legal 500 rankings across multiple practice areas and is renowned for nurturing some of the world's most respected legal talent. The firm combines cutting-edge legal innovation with a genuinely welcoming and supportive working culture.

Despite its global stature and impressive workload, the firm places real emphasis on work-life balance and has built an inclusive environment where lawyers feel genuinely valued and are actively supported in taking ownership of their own career progression. Professional development is taken seriously here, with clear and structured pathways that reward ambition and hard work.

The Role

You will join a Tier 1 Legal 500 ranked Planning team and work on high-profile, complex matters that sit at the very top of the market.

The team benefits from close collaboration with the firm's award-winning Infrastructure practice, giving you access to one of the strongest client bases in the country, with particular depth across transport, energy and green energy sectors.

The caseload is broad and genuinely varied, spanning development consent orders, section 106 agreements, land assembly strategy, public inquiries and much more. You will work alongside exceptional colleagues, gaining exposure to complex and significant matters whilst developing your technical expertise and client relationship skills in equal measure.

Your Experience

• Qualified Solicitor with 2 to 5 years PQE in Planning law
• Experience managing complex planning matters for large clients, ideally within a top-tier or international firm
• Proactive and commercially minded with excellent client handling and communication skills
• A collaborative team player willing to support junior colleagues and contribute to business development

What's on Offer

• A role within a highly ranked Planning team at a Top 25 international firm
• Exposure to large-scale, complex projects across multiple sectors and jurisdictions
• Structured career progression with clear and transparent promotion pathways
• A supportive and inclusive culture with flexible working arrangements
• Market leading salary, lucrative bonus potential and a comprehensive benefits package