Planning Associate / Senior Associate

Chadwick Nott - East and West Midlands, NHC & East Anglia; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Chadwick Nott is partnering with a leading national law firm in Birmingham to hire an experienced Planning Associate/Senior Associate for its established planning practice.

The role involves advising on complex planning, development and infrastructure projects across sectors, drafting and negotiating Section 106 agreements, and guiding clients through major applications and contentious planning matters.

Qualifications

• This role requires strong planning law experience within private practice, local government, or a mixed practice.
• Experience handling major residential, mixed-use, regeneration, or infrastructure schemes.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex Section 106 Agreements.
• Exposure to compulsory purchase matters and wider planning processes.

Responsibilities

• Advise on complex planning, development and infrastructure matters.
• Lead and support major residential, mixed-use and strategic development projects.
• Draft and negotiate Section 106 Agreements and other planning obligations.
• Advise developers, landowners, housebuilders, public sector bodies and corporates.
• Support clients through planning applications, development consents and CPO matters.
• Handle planning disputes, enforcement, appeals and judicial reviews.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Mentor junior lawyers and contribute to business development.

Skills

Planning law

Negotiation

Drafting & reviewing agreements

Client relationship building

Project development

Job description

Planning Associate / Senior Associate

Leading National Law Firm | Birmingham

I am currently working with a highly regarded national law firm seeking an experienced Associate or Senior Associate to join its established Planning practice. This is an excellent opportunity for a planning specialist to join a growing and highly successful team that advises on some of the UK's most significant development, infrastructure and regeneration projects. The team acts for a broad range of public and private sector clients and is recognised for its expertise across the full planning lifecycle, from strategic site promotion through to development delivery and contentious planning matters.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will join a high-performing team advising on complex planning, development and infrastructure projects across a wide range of sectors.

• Advising clients on complex planning, development and infrastructure matters.
• Leading and supporting major residential, mixed-use and strategic development projects.
• Drafting and negotiating Section 106 Agreements and other planning obligations.
• Advising developers, landowners, housebuilders, public sector bodies and corporate organisations on planning strategy and development issues.
• Supporting clients through major planning applications, development consent processes and compulsory purchase matters.
• Handling planning disputes, enforcement proceedings, appeals and judicial review challenges.
• Working closely with wider professional teams to deliver integrated solutions on complex projects.
• Mentoring and supporting junior lawyers within the team.
• Contributing to business development activities, client relationship management and market profile raising initiatives.

Candidate Profile

This role would suit an experienced planning lawyer looking to take the next step within a nationally recognised practice. You are likely to have:

• Strong experience in planning law gained within private practice, local government or a mixed practice environment.
• Experience advising on major residential, mixed-use, regeneration or infrastructure schemes.
• A proven track record of drafting and negotiating complex Section 106 Agreements.
• Experience advising on compulsory purchase matters and wider planning processes.
• Exposure to contentious planning work, including appeals, inquiries, enforcement proceedings or judicial review.
• Strong technical ability combined with a pragmatic and commercially focused approach.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A collaborative mindset and a genuine interest in helping develop both clients and colleagues.
• An ambition to play a key role in the continued growth of a successful planning practice.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role offers the chance to work on market-leading projects within a nationally recognised team that continues to experience significant growth. You'll benefit from high levels of responsibility, direct client exposure and the opportunity to contribute to the future direction of a thriving practice. The firm is known for its modern approach to legal services, flexible working culture and strong commitment to career development. Lawyers are encouraged to build their own profile, develop specialist expertise and collaborate across a broad network of legal and professional disciplines.

At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.