Planning Senior Associate or Managing Associate

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Bonus potential

Central Leeds office

Professional development

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is seeking a Planning Senior Associate or Managing Associate to join a leading national law firm’s Planning and Environment Group in Leeds. The role offers a salary between £70,000 and £90,000 plus a DOE bonus, with flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

The successful candidate will handle Section 106 matters, provide planning guidance, conduct due diligence, and manage contentious planning work including Inquiries and Judicial Reviews.

Qualifications

• 3–8 years’ PQE in planning law.
• Experience with Section 106, highways and statutory agreements.
• Contentious planning experience including Inquiries and Judicial Reviews.
• Ability to provide clear, pragmatic and commercial advice.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise on Section 106 agreements, highways and other statutory agreements.
• Provide guidance on planning, highways and associated law.
• Conduct due diligence for property and corporate transactions.
• Handle contentious planning matters, including Inquiries, hearings and JR.
• Work on regeneration schemes and nationally significant projects.
• Collaborate with planning lawyers, environmental lawyers, advocates and consultants.

Skills

Planning law

Section 106

Commercial acumen

Contentious planning

Clear advisory

Communication

Teamwork

Collaborative

Regeneration schemes

Job description

Planning Senior Associate or Managing Associate

Salary: £70,000 – £90,000 + Bonus (DOE)

Location: Leeds

Experience: 3–8 years’ PQE (Planning Law)

A superb opportunity has arisen for a Planning Senior Associate or Managing Associate to join our client’s nationally recognised Planning and Environment Group in Birmingham. This role is ideal for an experienced planning solicitor seeking to work on a diverse range of projects within a top-ranked, multi-disciplinary team at a leading national firm.

The Opportunity:

• Advise on Section 106 agreements, highways and other statutory agreements
• Provide guidance on planning, highways, and associated law
• Conduct due diligence for property and corporate transactions
• Handle contentious planning matters, including Inquiries, hearings, and Judicial Reviews
• Opportunity to work on large regeneration schemes and nationally significant projects
• Collaborate with planning lawyers, environmental lawyers, advocates, and consultants across all development sectors

What We’re Looking For:

• 3–8 years’ PQE in planning law
• Experience with Section 106, highways, and statutory agreements
• Strong technical and commercial acumen
• Experience with contentious planning work (Planning Inquiries, Judicial Reviews)
• Ability to provide clear, pragmatic, and commercial advice
• Excellent communication and teamworking skills
• Enthusiastic, collaborative, and passionate approach
• Experience with large regeneration schemes (desirable)

What’s On Offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience (£70,000 – £90,000 DOE)
• Performance-related bonus
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Supportive, inclusive leadership and firm-wide culture
• Modern office environment in central Birmingham
• Advanced legal technology and resources
• Comprehensive professional development and training
• Genuine opportunities for progression and strategic input
• Recognition for diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing (UK Diversity Legal Awards, Investors in People Silver)
• Regular firm-wide and team social events
• Range of benefits including pension, health and wellbeing support, and enhanced family-friendly policies

About Our Client:

Our client is a leading national law firm, widely recognised for its inclusive culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to excellence. With over 1,000 colleagues and 13 offices across the UK, the firm offers a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is heard and respected. The planning and environment group is one of the largest and fastest growing in the country, providing expert advice across all development sectors. The firm invests in its people through flexible working, advanced legal technology, and a strong focus on professional development and wellbeing.

Location & Working Arrangements:

Leeds. Full-time, permanent role. Flexible/hybrid working available.