Planning Lawyer

BCL Legal; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in London is seeking an experienced Planning Lawyer. You will advise clients on planning matters, engage in significant infrastructure projects, and contribute to team development. The ideal candidate has 4-8 years' PQE in planning law, strong technical knowledge, and excellent communication skills. This role offers a collaborative environment and opportunities for career growth.

Qualifications

• 4-8 years' PQE in planning law, ideally at a leading national or regional firm.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating Section 106 and highways agreements.
• Experience advising on large-scale development or regeneration projects.

Responsibilities

• Advising on planning and highways law across major development schemes.
• Drafting, negotiating and advising on Section 106 and other agreements.
• Conducting planning due diligence for real estate and corporate transactions.

Skills

Strong technical knowledge of planning legislation and case law

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Advocacy experience or interest in public inquiries

Education

UK-qualified solicitor

Job description

Planning Lawyer | London

An excellent opportunity for an experienced Planning Lawyer to join one of the UK's fastest-growing planning and environment practices recognised for its collaborative culture, national reach, and cutting-edge work across all development sectors.

With consistent year-on-year growth and a national team of over 30 professionals, this highly ranked Planning & Environment Group offers an exceptional platform for a Senior Associate to work on major infrastructure, regeneration and development projects, alongside respected lawyers, consultants and advocates.

You'll advise a varied client base including developers, landowners, housebuilders, investors, public bodies and corporate occupiers across a full spectrum of planning matters. From early-stage strategy and applications through to appeals and judicial review, you'll work on both transactional and contentious instructions, often as part of large multidisciplinary project teams.

You'll also contribute to some of the UK's most high-profile urban regeneration and infrastructure projects helping shape the places of the future while developing your career within a well-resourced and collaborative environment.

The Role

• Advising on planning and highways law across a range of major development schemes, infrastructure projects and mixed-use proposals.
• Drafting, negotiating and advising on Section 106, highways and other statutory agreements.
• Conducting planning due diligence for real estate and corporate transactions.
• Supporting or leading on planning appeals, hearings, inquiries and judicial reviews.
• Collaborating with in-house planning consultants and environmental specialists to provide strategic, commercially focused advice.
• Engaging with clients directly and helping to maintain strong long-term relationships.
• Contributing to team development and mentoring junior lawyers where appropriate.

Candidate Requirements

• UK-qualified solicitor with 4-8 years' PQE in planning law, ideally gained at a leading national or regional firm.
• Strong technical knowledge of planning legislation and case law.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating Section 106 and highways agreements.
• A commercial, solutions-focused approach to advising clients on planning risk and strategy.
• Experience advising on large-scale development or regeneration projects.
• Advocacy experience or interest in public inquiries, hearings or court challenges is advantageous.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A proactive, team-oriented mindset and a genuine passion for planning law.

Interested in working at the forefront of planning law while being supported to grow your career? Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion.

BCL Legal is an equal opportunities employer.