Planning Solicitor

LJ Recruitment; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Planning Solicitor for its client, a prominent national law firm in Nottingham. The ideal candidate should have 3+ years of planning law experience and strong negotiation skills. This role offers competitive pay, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working

Clear progression opportunities

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with experience in Planning law at a reputable firm.
• Hold 3 years PQE or more.
• Strongly detail-oriented and solution-focused.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on a range of planning matters.
• Draft and negotiate complex planning agreements.
• Support clients through planning inquiries and hearings.

Skills

Strong drafting and negotiation skills

Excellent communication and client care skills

Sound technical knowledge of planning legislation

Commercial awareness

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Education

Qualified Solicitor with 3 years PQE or more

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Planning Solicitor - Leading National Law Firm

Location: Nottingham Hybrid Working Available

Salary: Highly Competitive + Excellent Benefits Package

About the Firm

Our client is a well-established national law firm with an excellent reputation for delivering trusted, commercially astute advice across a wide range of sectors. With offices strategically located across the Midlands and East Anglia, the firm is known for its collaborative "one-team" culture, long-standing client relationships, and pragmatic, big-picture thinking.

Its respected Planning team advises major developers, landowners, local authorities, housebuilders, and other stakeholders on high-value, complex planning matters regionally and nationally.

Due to sustained growth and a healthy pipeline of high-profile projects, the firm is seeking an ambitious Planning Solicitor to join its expanding Nottingham office.

The Opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic Planning Solicitor to play a key role in a successful Planning team, advising clients on a broad range of contentious and non-contentious planning matters. You\'ll work closely with experienced Partners and senior lawyers who are recognised experts in this specialist area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise clients on a wide range of planning matters, including planning applications, appeals, enforcement, Section 106 agreements, development consent orders, compulsory purchase, highways, and related infrastructure issues.
• Draft and negotiate complex planning and infrastructure agreements.
• Support clients through planning inquiries and hearings, including preparing statements, evidence, and instructions to counsel.
• Assist with judicial review and High Court challenges where necessary.
• Undertake legal research and keep up to date with relevant planning legislation and policy developments.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to business development activities and help to grow the firm\'s Planning offering in Nottingham and the wider region.
• Meet agreed financial targets and contribute to team performance.

About You

• Qualified Solicitor with experience in Planning law gained at a reputable firm.
• Hold 3 years PQE or more.
• Sound technical knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and procedures.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Commercially aware, pragmatic, and solution-focused.
• Excellent communication and client care skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• A genuine interest in Planning law and the development sector.
• Ambitious and motivated to help grow the Nottingham Planning practice.

What\u2019s on Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible hybrid working to support work-life balance.
• High-quality, complex Planning work alongside recognised experts.
• Clear progression opportunities and ongoing professional development.
• A supportive, collaborative culture where your individual strengths and ideas are valued.

How to Apply

If you\'re a motivated Planning Solicitor looking to take the next step in your career with a dynamic national firm, we\'d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV - or contact Natalie Dwan at LJ Recruitment for a confidential discussion about this opportunity.