Planning Solicitor (NQ-3 PQE)

ZipRecruiter; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in Edinburgh is seeking a Planning Solicitor to join their Tier 2 ranked Planning department. The role offers exposure to high-profile energy and infrastructure projects across the UK, with a focus on planning and consenting matters. Candidates should have NQ–3 years’ PQE and possess strong technical and communication skills. The firm promotes a collaborative work environment and offers a lucrative salary along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working

Transparent career progression framework

Full benefits package

Qualifications

• NQ–3 years’ PQE, experience in Planning, Environmental, or Real Estate fields.
• Ability to engage directly with clients and stakeholders.
• Interest in working on complex, high-value projects.

Responsibilities

• Advising on planning and consenting matters.
• Drafting and negotiating key planning documentation.
• Collaborating with colleagues across offices.

Skills

Strong technical ability

Excellent communication skills

Team player

Education

NQ–3 years’ PQE in Planning or related fields

Job description

Overview

Planning Solicitor (NQ - 3 PQE)

Location: Edinburgh

Team: Tier 2 Ranked Planning

Salary: Market Leading Salary

Step into one of Scotland’s leading Planning practices and play a role in shaping some of the most high-profile energy and infrastructure projects in the UK.

This Tier 2 ranked team offers a rare opportunity to work on matters that have a genuine impact on communities and the environment.

The Role

When you join this Tier 2 ranked Planning department in the heart of Edinburgh, you’ll step into a truly market-leading practice. Recognised in the L500 for its technical strength and cross-border expertise, the team provides strategic advice across the full spectrum of planning and consenting work.

From day one, you’ll be exposed to some of the most high-profile projects in the UK energy and infrastructure sectors, from offshore wind and large-scale solar to pumped storage hydro, carbon capture, flood defence and major transport schemes.

The Edinburgh team work with all other offices across the UK, giving you both local presence and reach.

This Planning department will give you the opportunity to develop your career in a specialist environment that values technical excellence, collaboration and long-term progression.

The Work

• Advising on planning and consenting matters, including drafting and negotiating key planning documentation, providing strategic input on consenting strategy and guiding clients through complex legislative and regulatory frameworks.
• Contributing to strategically important projects with impact.
• Assisting with compulsory acquisition, compensation and CPO matters.
• Advising on EIA/HRA processes, judicial reviews, inquiries and examinations.
• Working closely with clients across energy, infrastructure and development sectors.
• Collaborating with colleagues across offices, benefiting from cross-border expertise.

Your Experience

• NQ–3 years’ PQE, with experience in Planning, Environmental, Real Estate or related fields.
• Strong technical ability and willingness to learn specialist areas.
• Excellent communication skills, with confidence to engage directly with clients and stakeholders.
• A team player with an interest in working on complex, high-value projects.

Why This Role?

• Join one of the UK’s leading Planning teams, ranked Tier 2 in Scotland.
• Exposure to high-profile, complex work across energy and infrastructure sectors.
• Work in an environment that values quality of work and quality of life.
• Enjoy a collaborative, modern and supportive work environment.
• Encouraged flexible hybrid working and a transparent career progression framework.
• Lucrative salary and a full benefits package designed to support your development and wellbeing.

If you’d like to explore this opportunity further, please contact Tilly Scott at [e-mail] / 0131 460 7747 for a confidential discussion.