Planning Principal Associate

IDEX Consulting; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A top-tier law firm in Birmingham is seeking a Principal Planning Solicitor to advise on complex planning matters and represent prominent clients in development projects. This senior role offers an opportunity for career growth, a hybrid working model, and an excellent compensation package. Candidates should have significant planning law experience, strong negotiation skills, and a focus on team development. Join a firm recognized for its commitment to diversity and career progression.

Benefits

Hybrid working arrangement

Excellent salary and bonus structure

Market-leading benefits package

Qualifications

• Strong experience in planning law from a reputable private practice or public sector body.
• Expertise in planning agreements, CPO, DCO, planning appeals and judicial reviews.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads and meet client deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset with enthusiasm for team development and client engagement.

Responsibilities

• Advise on complex planning matters including applications, DCOs, CPOs, and litigation.
• Work with high-profile clients in commercial and residential development sectors.
• Mentor Junior Lawyers and contribute to business development.

Skills

Experience in planning law

Excellent drafting skills

Negotiation skills

Managing complex caseloads

Team development

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

Job description

A leading national practice is seeking a Principal Planning Solicitor to join it's highly ranked team in Birmingham. This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior-level Solicitor with strong planning experience to work on nationally significant development and infrastructure projects, within a supportive, forward-thinking law firm offering genuine work-life balance and career progression.

Opportunity

As a Principal Planning Solicitor, you will :

• Advise on complex planning matters including planning applications, development consent orders (DCOs), compulsory purchase orders (CPOs), infrastructure agreements and planning litigation
• Work with high-profile clients in commercial development, residential-led strategic land and national infrastructure sectors
• Represent both public and private sector clients, including developers, housebuilders, local authorities and national agencies
• Provide commercially focused advice with an emphasis on strategic solutions
• Play a key role in mentoring Junior Lawyers, contributing to business development and supporting client training initiatives

Key Requirements

We're looking to speak to a qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with :

• Strong experience in planning law from a reputable private practice or public sector body
• Expertise in planning agreements, CPO, DCO, planning appeals and judicial reviews
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills
• The ability to manage complex caseloads and meet client deadlines
• A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for team development and client engagement

Why Apply?

This role offers an ideal platform for a Senior Planning Solicitor looking to step up into a Principal Associate position or make a lateral move to a firm that offers :

• Top-tier legal work with nationally recognised clients and projects
• Hybrid working and flexible arrangements (2-3 days office presence)
• Excellent salary and bonus structure
• Market-leading benefits package, including options to take a 3-months sabbatical
• Recognition as one of the UK's best law firms to work for with a strong emphasis on diversity, wellbeing and career progression

If you wish to apply for the position of Principal Planning Solicitor, please contact Ellie Sedgewick.