Planning Lawyer – Real Estate Development Team

Lester Aldridge; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player offers an exciting opportunity for an Associate with planning law experience to join their dynamic Real Estate Development team. You will play a pivotal role in site acquisitions and development finance projects, while also gaining exposure to commercial transactions. This role promises a varied caseload, allowing you to work closely with high-value clients and develop your skills in a supportive environment. With hybrid working arrangements and a focus on work-life balance, this position is perfect for those looking to advance their careers in a respected firm on the beautiful south coast.

Benefits

Flexible Working Arrangements

Career Development Opportunities

Supportive Team Environment

Client-Facing Role

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills essential.
• Previous planning law background preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on planning law, applications, and appeals.
• Conduct planning litigation and draft agreements.
• Manage client relationships and deliver exceptional service.

Skills

Planning Law Experience

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Drafting Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Lester Aldridge have an exciting opportunity for an Associate, ideally with planning law experience, to deal with real estate development transactions in our busy Real Estate Development team in Southampton or Bournemouth.

Working within our Real Estate Development team, you will play a key role assisting the team with site acquisitions for residential housebuilders, strategic land deals, development finance projects, whilst also seeing exposure to commercial development transactions.

Responsibilities:

• Advising clients on all aspects of planning law, including planning applications, appeals, local plan policies and variations to planning permissions.

• Advising on and conducting planning litigation including statutory and judicial reviews of planning decisions and associated decision-making.

• Drafting and negotiating section 106 agreements and unilateral undertakings.

• Advising on BNG, CIL, natural capital, EIAs/EORs and compulsory purchase and compensation.

• Advising on the implications of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

• Working with clients to manage the regulatory, policy and legislative issues impacting development projects including environmental law considerations.

• Offering practical, commercial and innovative solutions and strategic advice.

• Working with colleagues beyond real estate to deliver related advice on the development and operation of transport infrastructure (including ports and marinas).

• Managing and developing client relationships, with a focus on delivering exceptional client service.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Previous planning law background
• Drafting knowledge

️ Work-life balance - hybrid and flexible working arrangements from our Southampton or Bournemouth office with the beautiful south coast on your doorstep.

️ Progression - a competitive salary and benefits with performance-based opportunities for career development.

Autonomy and support - handle and develop your own case load independently but with the support of the team and the wider LA family and infrastructure.

Variety - a broad range of work , a varied caseload with high-value and complex clients in your own matters and to assist the partners in the team; no two days are the same.

Hands-on experience - a client-facing role, working closely with interesting clients and colleagues.

A welcoming environment - a friendly, supportive team with a focus on developing your skills and introduction to the wider firm and contact/industry events.

A real opportunity to carve a niche for yourself in this dynamic, exciting specialism within a respected Real Estate team.