Planning Solicitor

ENL Legal Recruitment; Guildford; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading national law firm in Guildford is seeking a Planning Solicitor with over 3 years of PQE to join their planning team. The role involves advising on planning applications, supporting compulsory purchase matters, and contributing to business development. Ideal candidates should possess strong commercial awareness and excellent client-facing skills. This position offers a competitive package and opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Access to professional development opportunities

Flexible and inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Experience in planning, compulsory purchase, or related infrastructure law.
• Exposure to contentious and non-contentious planning matters.
• Commitment to delivering results in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Advise on planning applications and agreements.
• Support compulsory purchase matters and negotiations.
• Assist with appeals and planning enforcement.

Skills

Advising on planning applications

Strong commercial awareness

Excellent client-facing skills

Proactive approach

Education

3+ years PQE as a solicitor

Job description

Planning Solicitor –Guildford– 3+ Years' PQE - A leading national law firm is seeking a Solicitor to join its Planning team in Guildford. Contact Rebecca Barry on [e-mail] and quote job ref: 1952

The Role

• Advise developers and housebuilders on planning applications, Section 106 agreements, and strategic residential and mixed-use developments.
• Support compulsory purchase matters, including compensation and negotiations with landowners.
• Assist with contentious matters such as appeals, call‑ins, and planning enforcement.
• Contribute to business development and client engagement across the region.
• Work alongside senior lawyers to develop expertise in infrastructure and Development Consent Orders (DCOs).

About You

• 3+ years PQE as a solicitor in planning, compulsory purchase, or related infrastructure law.
• Exposure to contentious and non‑contentious planning matters.
• Strong commercial awareness and excellent client‑facing skills.
• Proactive approach, with a “can‑do” attitude and commitment to delivering results.
• Interest in building a career within a collaborative, high‑profile team.

Why Apply

• Work on high‑profile strategic schemes and infrastructure projects.
• Develop your career with a supportive, forward‑thinking legal team.
• Enjoy a competitive remuneration package and access to professional development opportunities.
• Be part of a flexible and inclusive work environment that values wellbeing and career progression.
• This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor looking to broaden their planning and infrastructure expertise in a thriving, national practice while working in Guildford.

HOW TO APPLY:

Contact Rebecca Barry at eNL on 020 7183 8586 or email [e-mail] with your CV, or simply call for a confidential discussion. We will review your application and get back to you as soon as possible. If it's a fit, Rebecca will talk you through all the details of the role, the company, team culture, career opportunities and package. If you feel it ticks the right boxes, only then we will share your CV with our client. eNL will never share your CV with a third party without your express permission. As part of our candidate care process, we aim to respond to all applications in 7 days. If you have not been contacted within this timescale, your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary level purely as a guide.

At eNL we value diversity and inclusion. We want to attract people at all levels and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, whatever your ethnicity, religion, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristics protected by law in the jurisdictions in which we operate.