Planning Associate

BCL Private Practice; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious international law firm seeks a Planning Associate to join its Tier 1 rated team in London. This role involves a diverse range of high-profile planning matters, providing opportunities for professional growth and exposure to ESG and infrastructure development projects. Ideal candidates will have NQ-2 PQE and a strong training background in planning law.

Benefits

Career progression support

Secondment opportunities

Collaborative culture

Access to high-profile projects

Qualifications

• NQ-2 PQE in planning law.
• Experience in planning, CPO, infrastructure, or development.
• Strong background from private practice or local authority.

Responsibilities

• Advising on strategic planning and development consent strategies.
• Handling planning appeals and inquiries.
• Working on environmental impact assessments.

Skills

Attention to detail

Drafting skills

Collaborative approach

Strong communication skills

Commercial outlook

Education

Recognised planning team training

Job description

Planning Lawyer | International Law Firm | London

A prestigious international law firm with a Tier 1 rated planning and environmental team is looking to recruit a Planning Associate to join its London office. This is a rare opportunity to become part of a highly respected team at the cutting edge of planning law and infrastructure development in the UK.

The Role:

This team regularly acts for developers, government departments, local authorities, utilities, and major infrastructure clients. You will work across a broad spectrum of high-profile, complex planning matters from major mixed-use regeneration schemes and landmark residential and commercial developments to nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) and innovative energy schemes.

You will also have the opportunity to work closely with the firm's environmental lawyers, giving you broad exposure to ESG, decarbonisation and sustainability-focused projects.

As part of a market-leading team, you will gain hands-on experience advising on:

- Strategic planning and development consent strategies
- Section 106 and infrastructure agreements
- Compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) and compensation
- Planning appeals, inquiries, and judicial review
- Environmental impact assessments and related advisory
- DCO and TWAO matters for nationally significant infrastructure

The team works closely with colleagues in real estate, construction, environment, projects and finance, offering a truly cross-disciplinary experience.

Candidate Requirements:

- NQ-2 PQE
- A strong training background from a recognised planning team (either private practice or local authority)
- Demonstrable experience or exposure to planning, CPO, infrastructure, or development-related matters
- Excellent attention to detail and drafting skills
- A team-focused, collaborative approach with strong communication skills
- A commercial outlook and enthusiasm for working directly with clients

The Opportunity:

This firm offers a dynamic platform to elevate your planning law career.

- Exceptional Work: Regularly instructed on some of the UK's highest-profile development and infrastructure projects.
- Renowned Team: Join a close-knit team led by Chambers Band 1-ranked partners with deep industry recognition.
- Career Progression: A clear and supportive Associate Career Path Framework is in place to guide your development.
- Secondment Opportunities: Work with top-tier clients or explore international placements across the firm's global offices.
- Collaborative Culture: Enjoy working in a team that values mentorship, open communication, and technical excellence.

If you're a newly qualified solicitor or a junior associate with planning law experience and the ambition to work at the forefront of development and infrastructure, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply below or get in touch in confidence to discuss this role further.

BCL Legal is an equal opportunities employer.