Planning Solicitor

BCL Legal; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm in London is seeking a Planning Solicitor to join their nationally recognized Planning practice. You will work on high-profile development projects while gaining extensive experience under senior partners' mentorship. The role includes drafting and negotiating Section 106 and Section 278 agreements and maintaining client relationships. This is a fantastic opportunity to advance your career in a supportive environment that values professional growth.

Benefits

Mentorship opportunities

Flexible work-life balance

Qualifications

• Experience drafting Section 106 and Section 278 agreements.
• Exposure to running less complex planning matters under supervision.
• Strong foundational knowledge of planning law.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of your own matters under supervision.
• Maintain regular client contact and build relationships.
• Prepare research and briefing materials for senior colleagues.

Skills

Drafting Section 106 agreements

Drafting Section 278 agreements

Planning law knowledge

Client relationship management

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

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

What to expect

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.

About the firm

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.