Planning Solicitor

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

Job summary

A leading national law firm in Nottingham is seeking a Planning Solicitor to join their expanding team. This role offers the opportunity to advise clients on various planning matters while working in a hybrid model. The ideal candidate will be a qualified solicitor with a minimum of 3 years of experience in planning law, excellent negotiation skills, and a desire to contribute to business development.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Flexible hybrid working

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with experience in Planning law gained at a reputable firm.
• Strong technical knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on a range of planning matters, including applications and appeals.
• Draft and negotiate planning and infrastructure agreements.
• Support clients through inquiries and hearings.

Skills

Planning law experience

Drafting and negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Education

Qualified Solicitor

3 years PQE or more

Job description

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's 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.