Planning Lawyer

Think Legal Recruitment; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Think Legal Recruitment is partnering with an international law firm to recruit a Planning Lawyer in Leeds. The role targets 4–8 PQE and offers exposure to major development, infrastructure, and complex planning matters across a strong national platform.

The work is varied, including section 106/ CIL, highways agreements, planning appeals, and EIA considerations, with opportunities to handle heavyweight infrastructure projects and nationwide development initiatives.

Job description

Planning Lawyer – Leeds

4–8 PQE | Leeds | International Law Firm | Planning & Infrastructure

Planning lawyers don't tend to get many opportunities to work on projects where the legal advice genuinely shapes what gets built.

This is one of them.

I'm working with an international law firm looking to add a 4–8 PQE Planning Lawyer to its Leeds team, following continued growth across the practice.

The team has a bold vision for 2030 and is expanding to meet a growing pipeline of work, so this is a good time to join rather than stepping into an established team with limited room to grow.

The work is varied and genuinely interesting, covering:

• Planning strategy and consenting advice on major development and regeneration schemes
• Residential, mixed-use, logistics, living and commercial developments
• Section 106 agreements, CIL, highways agreements and other planning obligations
• Planning appeals, inquiries and challenges to planning decisions
• Local plans, enforcement and listed building/conservation matters
• Infrastructure consenting, including DCOs and Transport & Works Act Orders
• Compulsory purchase, highways and rights of way issues
• EIA, environmental and BNG considerations

There is also exposure to some heavyweight infrastructure work, including major transport and energy projects and nationally significant development.

Why this role?

You'll be joining an expanding Planning & Infrastructure team with a strong national platform, an interesting client base and plenty of work already coming through the door.

It's a chance to work on complex, high-value projects while developing your career within a team that has clear ambitions for the future.

4–8 PQE is the sweet spot, although I'd be happy to speak with strong Planning Lawyers who sit slightly outside that range.

If you're a Planning Lawyer in Leeds who wants to be part of a growing team with some big plans, I'd be happy to have a confidential chat.

Graham Rawlinson
Think Legal Recruitment
[e-mail]
07745 205690