Senior Planning Lawyer

JMC Legal Recruitment; Eastleigh; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Planning Solicitor to join a respected practice in Eastleigh. The role involves advising developers and local authorities on strategic land use and urban regeneration projects. The ideal candidate will have at least 4 years of planning law experience and strong negotiation skills. This position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Full benefits package

Hybrid working flexibility

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with 4+ years PQE in planning law.
• Experience in drafting Section 106 agreements is essential.
• Client-focused and commercially astute.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on strategic land and urban regeneration.
• Draft and negotiate complex planning obligations.
• Collaborate with local authorities on high-impact schemes.

Skills

Planning law expertise

Drafting and negotiation skills

Commercial awareness

Education

Qualified Solicitor (4+ PQE)

Job description

Senior Planning Solicitor | Southampton | 4+ PQE

Shape the future of places, people, and progress.

Every major development, from a new community to a sustainable regeneration project, starts with one thing: smart, strategic planning advice.

This role gives you the chance to be at the heart of that process advising national developers, landowners, and local authorities on projects that genuinely shape the South Coast and beyond.

You'll be joining one of the region's most respected planning teams, a Legal 500-ranked practice known for its quality of work, approachable culture, and ability to combine technical expertise with practical, real-world advice.

The Role

You'll handle a stimulating mix of planning and environmental work, advising clients on everything from strategic land and urban regeneration to infrastructure and coastal development. Expect real variety and the autonomy to run complex matters, influence outcomes, and help guide the next generation of lawyers. Your work will include:

• Drafting and negotiating Section 106 agreements and complex planning obligations
• Advising on applications, appeals, enforcement, and judicial review
• Supporting clients with emerging environmental issues such as biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality
• Collaborating with developers, promoters, and local authorities on innovative, high-impact schemes
• Helping grow the practice through client relationships, thought leadership, and mentoring

About You

You're already confident in your planning expertise , now you want a platform to build your profile.

• A qualified Solicitor (ideally 4+ PQE) with strong planning law experience (either in private practice or local authority)
• Skilled in drafting and negotiation, particularly around Section 106 obligations
• Commercially astute, pragmatic, and client-focused
• Motivated to grow your own network and reputation in a team that actively supports it

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and full benefits package
• Hybrid working and flexibility to fit your lifestyle
• Opportunity to work on nationally significant projects without London hours
• Structured progression and mentoring to partnership level
• A collaborative, down-to-earth culture that genuinely values people

If you're ready to take your planning career to the next level, with the freedom to make an impact and the support to grow, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now or contact me for a confidential discussion.