Planning Solicitor – Jnr / Mid PQE

Abacus Professional Recruitment Ltd; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent law firm in Belfast is seeking a Planning Solicitor to join their growing real estate and infrastructure practice. This role offers involvement in significant development projects and requires expertise in planning and environmental law. Ideal candidates have 2-6 years of experience and are qualified in Northern Ireland. The firm promotes a supportive work environment with hybrid options and competitive salary.

Benefits

Hybrid/flexible working options

Competitive salary

Tailored benefits package

Qualifications

• Qualified as a solicitor in NI and ideally dual qualified.
• Experienced in planning and/or environmental law, ideally 2–6 years PQE.
• Familiar with planning frameworks and regulatory regimes in Northern Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Advise on planning applications and development control.
• Manage planning appeals and public inquiries.
• Support major infrastructure and commercial real estate projects.

Skills

Planning law expertise

Environmental law knowledge

Detail-oriented

Commercial awareness

Team player

Education

Qualified solicitor in NI

Dual qualified (preferable)

Job description

Overview

Planning Solicitor – Solicitor / Associate / Senior Associate. Shape the Future of Planning Law in Northern Ireland.

An established commercial law firm in Belfast is seeking a Planning Solicitor to join its growing real estate and infrastructure practice. This role offers exposure to some of the most complex and high-profile development projects across Northern Ireland and beyond, with opportunities for career advancement and cross-disciplinary collaboration. We welcome applications from junior and mid-level lawyers who are passionate about planning, development and environmental law.

The Role

You will work on a varied caseload that includes:

• Advising on planning applications, consents, and development control.
• Manage planning appeals, enviro enforcement and public inquiries.
• Manage EIAs and Habitats Regulations.
• Judicial reviews and statutory challenges.
• Planning enforcement and regulatory compliance.
• Supporting major infrastructure, energy, and commercial real estate projects.

You’ll work closely with clients including developers, energy companies and commercial landowners. There is a variety of workstreams to access.

About You

We’re keen to hear from candidates who are:

• Qualified as a solicitor in NI and ideally dual qualified.
• Experienced in planning and/or environmental law, either at jnr or mid level (e.g. 2–6 yrs PQE).
• Familiar with the planning frameworks and regulatory regimes in Northern Ireland and ideally in other regions.
• Detail-oriented, commercially aware, and capable of handling a dynamic caseload.
• Confident, autonomous but team player and highly ambitious.
• Experience in advocacy or representation at planning hearings is welcome but not essential.

Why Join?

• Join a firm with a strong and growing reputation in planning, real estate, and infrastructure.
• Gain hands-on experience on landmark projects that shape Northern Ireland’s built environment.
• Work alongside senior specialists with sector-leading expertise.
• Clear routes to career progression and professional development.
• Hybrid/flexible working options and a supportive team environment.
• Competitive salary and tailored benefits package.

To discuss this opportunity in confidence contact Alan Braithwaite or submit your CV.