Planning Solicitor | 2-5 Years' PQE | Real Estate & Projects

DK Recruitment; Leeds; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

DK Recruitment is assisting a respected national law firm in locating a Planning Solicitor with 2–5 years’ PQE to join its Real Estate & Projects team in Leeds. The role focuses on handling the planning process and related advisory work for a diverse client base.

You will conduct due diligence, draft and negotiate Section 106 and other infrastructure agreements, and contribute to planning provisions in contracts, while advising on enforcement, appeals and judicial reviews.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years’ PQE as a planning solicitor (CILEX Lawyers must have Conveyancing Practice Rights)
• Strong understanding of the planning system and public law
• Strong academic background (ideally a 2:1 degree)
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills
• Commercial awareness and the ability to manage multiple matters with minimal supervision

Responsibilities

• Preparing planning due diligence reports and drafting replies to enquiries and Certificates of Title
• Drafting and negotiating Section 106 and other infrastructure agreements, with an understanding of the Community Infrastructure Levy
• Drafting planning provisions in conditional contracts, plus planning warranties and indemnities in sale and purchase agreements
• Advising clients on enforcement, planning appeals and judicial review proceedings
• Supporting the Partner directly, and supervising and developing junior solicitors and paralegals
• Building and growing long‑term client relationships and meeting fee targets

Skills

Planning law

Drafting & negotiation

Communication skills

Client relationship management

Public law

Education

2:1 degree

CILEX Conveyancing Rights

Job description

About the role

DK Recruitment is delighted to be working with a respected national law firm on the search for a Planning Solicitor with 2–5 years’ PQE to join its Real Estate & Projects team.

The firm has a large, highly regarded real estate practice acting for registered providers of social housing, care home operators, pension funds, build to rent operators and private developers. The planning team advises on all aspects of the planning process, from applications and appeals to infrastructure contributions and enforcement risk, and specialises in Section 106 agreements. It works on sites ranging from a handful of units to thousands, and many deals are reported in the industry and national press.

This is an excellent opportunity to work closely with the team’s Partner, take on more complex planning matters and help develop junior fee earners.

Key responsibilities

• Preparing planning due diligence reports and drafting replies to enquiries and Certificates of Title
• Drafting and negotiating Section 106 and other infrastructure agreements, with an understanding of the Community Infrastructure Levy
• Drafting planning provisions in conditional contracts, plus planning warranties and indemnities in sale and purchase agreements
• Advising clients on enforcement, planning appeals and judicial review proceedings
• Supporting the Partner directly, and supervising and developing junior solicitors and paralegals
• Building and growing long‑term client relationships and meeting fee targets

What our client is looking for

• 2–5 years’ PQE as a planning solicitor (CILEX Lawyers must have Conveyancing Practice Rights)
• A strong understanding of the planning system and public law
• A strong academic background, ideally a 2:1 degree
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills
• Commercial awareness and the ability to manage multiple matters with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of registered providers would be an advantage, but isn’t essential