Planning Solicitor

BCL Private Practice; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm is looking for a Planning Solicitor in London. This role involves drafting and negotiating agreements, maintaining client relationships, and working on significant development projects. The firm offers mentorship and career development opportunities, as well as a healthy work-life balance.

Benefits

Mentorship opportunities

Healthy work-life balance

Career development support

Qualifications

• Experience with complex development projects is preferred.
• Ability to manage client relationships effectively.
• Exposure to running less complex planning matters under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of your own matters under supervision.
• Maintain regular client contact and build relationships.
• Draft initial documentation for Counsel meetings.
• Prepare research and briefing materials for senior colleagues.
• Draft and negotiate Section 106 and Section 278 agreements.

Skills

Experience drafting Section 106 and Section 278 agreements

Strong foundational knowledge of planning law and policy

Proactive approach to professional development

Job description

Overview

Planning Solicitor | London

Our client, a leading UK law firm with a nationally recognised Planning practice, is seeking a Solicitor to join their London office. This is a fantastic opportunity to work on high-profile, complex development projects and gain hands-on experience under the guidance of senior partners. The Planning department is ranked in the UK's top 10 and is the first choice for major residential developers across London, the Southeast, and the Northwest. The team advises on a full spectrum of planning law, policy, strategy, and risk management. Their expertise spans:

• Drafting and negotiating complex Section 106 and Section 278 agreements
• Affordable housing, viability assessments, and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
• Tall buildings, urban regeneration, and CPO/appropriation matters
• Mixed-use developments, urban extensions, town centre schemes, and waterside projects

You will join a collaborative team of ten fee-earners who are recognised for delivering high-quality advice on some of the UK's most significant development schemes.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of your own matters under supervision
• Maintain regular client contact and build relationships
• Draft and negotiate Section 106 and Section 278 agreements
• Prepare research and briefing materials for senior colleagues ahead of high-profile meetings
• Draft initial documentation for Counsel meetings

Ideal candidate / Qualifications

• Experience drafting Section 106 and Section 278 agreements
• Exposure to running less complex planning matters under supervision
• Strong foundational knowledge of planning law and policy
• A proactive approach to professional development and learning

You will become part of a supportive, high-performing team where career development is actively encouraged. The Head of Department has a strong track record of mentoring colleagues from NQ level to partnership, providing genuine opportunities to take ownership of complex, multi-million-pound development projects.

This role requires a strong presence in the London office to fully benefit from mentorship and collaborative learning.

The firm is a full-service, growing law firm with a diverse client base, including the UK's largest housebuilders, investors, professional partnerships, family offices, not-for-profits, and private clients. They are committed to delivering first-class legal services while promoting a healthy work-life balance and flexibility for their people.

If you are a motivated planning solicitor looking to advance your career in a nationally recognised team, this is a unique opportunity to join a firm that invests in its people and provides exposure to some of the most high-profile projects in the UK.

BCL Legal is an equal opportunities employer.