Planning Associate

JMC Legal Recruitment; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Associate to join their Real Estate Planning team. The role involves drafting planning agreements, conducting legal research, and supporting the promotion of Development Consent Orders. Ideal candidates are qualified solicitors with experience in projects and planning law. Flexible location with hybrid working options available.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in projects, regeneration, development, and infrastructure.
• Skilled in the drafting and reviewing of planning agreements and legal documents.
• Confident advising on compulsory purchase compensation and judicial reviews.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review planning-related legal agreements.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on planning law.
• Support promotion of Development Consent Orders and Planning Appeals.
• Provide practical advice on planning regulations.
• Manage workloads to deliver excellent client service.

Skills

Legal analysis

Drafting legal documents

Client advisory

Project management

Knowledge of planning law

Education

Qualified solicitor

Job description

Overview

Associate - Real Estate Planning

We are seeking an experienced Associate to join our Real Estate Planning team. This role offers the opportunity to work on a broad range of projects, including major developments, nationally significant infrastructure, and regeneration schemes involving compulsory purchase. You will be part of a collaborative team that values professional growth, knowledge sharing, and career development in a supportive environment. We offer flexibility on location, with the role open to candidates based in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, or Newcastle, along with a hybrid working arrangement.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review planning-related legal agreements for developers, lenders, and public sector clients.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on planning law and related matters.
• Support the team in the promotion of Development Consent Orders (DCOs), Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs), and Planning Appeals.
• Work with real estate colleagues to undertake planning due diligence.
• Provide clear, practical advice to clients on planning regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Stay up to date with developments in planning law and policy.
• Prioritise and manage workloads effectively to deliver excellent client service while meeting deadlines.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with strong experience in projects, regeneration, development, and/or infrastructure.
• Skilled in drafting and reviewing a wide range of planning agreements and legal documents.
• Confident advising on compulsory purchase compensation, judicial reviews, and legal challenges.
• Experience in supporting the promotion of DCOs and CPOs.
• Capable of conducting planning due diligence for acquisitions and financings, as well as handling planning enforcement matters.
• Knowledge of statutory undertaker permitted development rights for utilities and telecommunications.
• Strong legal analysis, drafting, and communication skills.
• Proactive in business development and building strong client relationships.