Planning Solicitor – Jnr / Mid PQE

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

Job summary

A leading law firm in Belfast is seeking a Planning Solicitor to join its real estate and infrastructure practice. This position offers exposure to high-profile development projects and opportunities for career advancement. Ideal candidates are qualified solicitors with experience in planning law, seeking a dynamic and supportive work environment.

Benefits

Hybrid working options

Clear career progression

Supportive team environment

Competitive salary and benefits package

Qualifications

• Qualified as a solicitor in NI, ideally dual qualified.
• Experience in planning and/or environmental law (2-6 yrs PQE).
• Familiar with planning frameworks in Northern Ireland.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Attention to detail

Commercial awareness

Autonomy

Team player

Ambition

Education

Solicitor qualification in Northern Ireland

Job description

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, local authorities 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.