Planning Senior Solicitor

JMC Legal Recruitment; Slough; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

JMC Legal Recruitment is seeking a Planning Senior Solicitor (5–8 PQE) for a leading West End real estate-focused firm. You will take ownership of complex planning matters, manage client relationships and play a central role in growing the planning practice.

You will lead on significant residential, mixed-use and strategic developments, draft and negotiate Section 106/278 agreements, and mentor junior lawyers while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years' PQE (England & Wales)
• Strong experience within a recognised planning practice
• Experience advising on major residential, mixed-use and strategic development projects
• Extensive drafting and negotiating Section 106 and Section 278 agreements
• Experience advising on planning strategy, implementation and contentious matters including appeals and enforcement
• Exposure to rights of light, heritage and environmental planning issues
• Experience supervising junior lawyers or mentoring
• Proactive, collaborative approach with BD contributions

Responsibilities

• Lead complex planning transactions from instruction through completion
• Draft and negotiate Section 106/278 agreements and planning infrastructure documents
• Advise on strategic land, residential, mixed-use and commercial developments
• Shape planning strategy throughout the development lifecycle
• Handle appeals, enforcement, compulsory purchase and judicial review matters
• Advise on rights of light, heritage and environmental planning issues
• Collaborate with Real Estate, Construction and Finance teams on deals
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers within the team
• Develop and maintain relationships with developers and landowners
• Drive business development and growth of the planning practice

Skills

Planning experience

Negotiation

Client management

Mentoring

Business development

Job description

Planning Senior Solicitor (5–8 PQE) | West End | Legal 500 & Spears Ranked Firm

Are you a Planning Solicitor looking to take the next step in your career within one of London's leading real estate-focused law firms?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly regarded Planning team, working alongside two respected planning partners on some of the UK's most significant development and regeneration projects. You'll enjoy a high level of autonomy, direct client responsibility and the opportunity to play a key role in the continued growth of a thriving practice.

The Firm

This firm has one of the most well-respected names across the West End. Ranked in the Legal 500 and recognised by Spears, it has built an outstanding reputation for advising entrepreneurial businesses, property investors, developers and high-net-worth individuals across a broad range of commercial matters.

The firm has enjoyed sustained growth through strategic hires, strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional client service. Its collaborative culture is one of its greatest strengths, with lawyers benefiting from genuine partner access, excellent mentoring and the opportunity to take ownership of client relationships and complex matters.

Known for its entrepreneurial approach, the firm embraces innovation and modern ways of working while maintaining a supportive environment where ambitious lawyers are encouraged to build long-term careers and progress their practice.

The Team

The Planning team forms an integral part of the firm's highly regarded Real Estate practice, working alongside market-leading lawyers across Real Estate, Construction and Real Estate Finance to advise on the planning aspects of significant development projects throughout London and across the UK.

Led by two experienced Planning Partners, the team advises a broad spectrum of clients including developers, institutional investors, family offices, local authorities, logistics operators and major property businesses on complex planning matters across residential, mixed-use, commercial and strategic development schemes.

The team is involved throughout the entire lifecycle of developments, from strategic planning advice and site acquisition through to implementation and delivery, providing commercially focused advice that helps clients successfully unlock and maximise development opportunities.

The Role

The firm is seeking a Senior Planning Associate (5–8 PQE) to join its growing team.

This role offers the opportunity to lead on complex planning matters, work closely with key clients and play an active role in the continued development of the practice. Alongside managing sophisticated planning transactions, you'll supervise junior lawyers, contribute to business development initiatives and strengthen long-term client relationships.

You will advise on matters including:

• Leading complex planning transactions from instruction through to completion
• Drafting and negotiating Section 106 Agreements, Section 278 Agreements and wider planning and infrastructure documentation
• Advising on strategic land, major residential, commercial and mixed-use developments
• Planning strategy throughout the development lifecycle
• Planning appeals, enforcement, compulsory purchase, judicial review and statutory challenge matters
• Rights of light, heritage, environmental and highways issues
• Supporting complex property development and investment transactions alongside the firm's Real Estate, Construction and Finance teams
• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers within the team
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with developers, investors, landowners and property businesses
• Taking an active role in business development and the continued growth of the Planning practice

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Planning Solicitor looking to take on greater responsibility within a collaborative and entrepreneurial team. You'll enjoy high-quality work, genuine autonomy, early client ownership and a clear pathway towards the next stage of your career.

Requirements

• 5–8 years' PQE (England & Wales)
• Strong experience gained within a recognised planning practice
• Experience advising on major residential, mixed-use and strategic development projects
• Extensive experience drafting and negotiating Section 106 Agreements, Section 278 Agreements and wider planning documentation
• Experience advising on planning strategy, planning implementation and contentious planning matters including appeals and enforcement
• Exposure to rights of light, heritage and environmental planning issues
• Experience working closely alongside wider Real Estate and Construction teams
• Strong commercial awareness with excellent drafting, negotiation and client management skills
• Experience supervising junior lawyers or a genuine interest in mentoring and developing others
• A proactive, collaborative approach and enthusiasm for contributing to business development and the continued growth of the team

This is an outstanding opportunity for a Senior Planning Solicitor to join a highly regarded West End firm, advising on market-leading development projects while enjoying genuine autonomy, close partner collaboration and an excellent platform for long-term progression.