Senior Associate, Planning – Edinburgh / Glasgow

Frasia Wright Associates; Haddington; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international law firm is seeking a Senior Associate to join its Planning team in Edinburgh or Glasgow. This award-winning group handles major development, regeneration, infrastructure and energy projects nationwide.

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years' PQE, strong planning experience, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while mentoring junior lawyers. Scottish-qualified candidates with cross-qualification are welcome.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ PQE in planning law.
• Strong academic background.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team.
• Experience mentoring junior colleagues.
• Commercially minded and client-focused.

Responsibilities

• Advising landowners, developers, and planning authorities on a broad range of planning matters.
• Handling complex planning applications and environmental assessment processes.
• Drafting and negotiating planning agreements (e.g., Section 106, infrastructure, and highways agreements).
• Advising on community infrastructure levy matters.
• Supporting the development and review of planning policy, local plans, neighbourhood plans, and development orders.
• Working on urban extensions, new settlements, garden communities, and major mixed-use schemes.
• Managing planning issues arising from major infrastructure and transport projects.
• Preparing for and coordinating public inquiries, including instructing counsel.
• Handling judicial review and High Court litigation relating to planning matters.
• Advising on listed buildings, conservation areas, assets of community value, and compulsory purchase matters.
• Conducting planning due diligence on commercial and corporate transactions, including energy, residential, retail and student accommodation schemes.

Skills

Planning law experience

Mentoring

Business development

Client communication

Education

Law degree (Scottish-qualified or cross-qualification)

Job description

A leading international law firm is seeking a Senior Associate to join its highly regarded Planning team in Edinburgh or Glasgow. This award‑winning group advises on major development, regeneration, infrastructure, and energy projects across the UK, supporting a diverse client base that includes government bodies, developers, investors, and major corporates.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering complex planning advice, supporting high‑profile schemes, and helping shape the continued growth of the practice. Dual qualification is advantageous, though Scottish‑qualified candidates with an interest in cross‑qualification are welcome.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advising landowners, developers, and planning authorities on a broad range of planning matters.
• Handling complex planning applications and environmental assessment processes.
• Drafting and negotiating planning agreements (e.g., Section 106, infrastructure, and highways agreements).
• Advising on community infrastructure levy matters.
• Supporting the development and review of planning policy, local plans, neighbourhood plans, and development orders.
• Working on urban extensions, new settlements, garden communities, and major mixed‑use schemes.
• Managing planning issues arising from major infrastructure and transport projects.
• Preparing for and coordinating public inquiries, including instructing counsel.
• Handling judicial review and High Court litigation relating to planning matters.
• Advising on listed buildings, conservation areas, assets of community value, and compulsory purchase matters.
• Conducting planning due diligence on commercial and corporate transactions, including energy, residential, retail and student accommodation schemes.

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years’ PQE, a strong academic background and substantial experience in planning law, with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment. They will be confident in client communication and relationship building, with a solid track record in business development. The role requires someone who is comfortable mentoring junior colleagues, commercially minded, well‑organised, and capable of managing multiple priorities. They will deliver clear, practical legal advice and take a proactive, solution‑focused approach to problem‑solving.

Senior Associate, Planning – Edinburgh / Glasgow East Lothian