Planning Solicitor

We are working with a leading national law firm which is seeking a Planning Solicitor with circa 3-6 years’ PQE to join its nationally recognised Planning & Environmental team in Manchester.

The team is ranked in both Chambers and Legal 500 and is recruiting on the back of continued growth. It advises developers, energy, transport and utilities clients and public sector bodies on some of the most significant infrastructure and development projects in the UK, and the role offers genuine exposure to major consenting work from the outset.

In this role you will advise on Development Consent Orders for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and on alternative infrastructure consenting regimes, supporting examinations and the implementation of consents. You will also handle a broad range of Town and Country Planning Act work, including applications, appeals and development delivery, and negotiate planning agreements including section 106 agreements and highways documentation. Alongside this you will provide planning support on corporate, real estate, energy and infrastructure transactions, deliver planning due diligence and risk advice, and work closely with the firm’s transactional property groups.

Key skills required:

• Circa 3-6 years’ post-qualification experience in planning, although the firm will consider candidates outside this range.
• Experience of Development Consent Orders and infrastructure consenting regimes, together with a solid grounding in Town and Country Planning Act matters
• Strong drafting, analytical and technical legal skills, combined with a commercial and pragmatic approach to problem solving.
• The ability to build and hold client relationships as a trusted adviser, with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• An appetite for business development, and a willingness to mentor junior lawyers and trainees.
• Experience in the energy, transport, utilities, regeneration or infrastructure sectors would be particularly attractive; familiarity with environmental law is helpful but not essential.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly regarded planning team at a point of real growth, with a varied caseload and clear scope for progression. The role is available on a full-time or part-time basis, and the firm offers a competitive salary and bonus, sabbaticals, enhanced parental leave, private healthcare, mental health support and a strong commitment to flexible working.

• Location: Manchester

  Region: North West England

  Country: UK

  Salary: 70,000 - 95,000

  Specialisation: Construction/Property/Real Estate, Energy & Resources, Environment/Planning

  Sector: Law firm

  Role Position: Associate

  Contract Type: Permanent

  Hours: Full Time

  Experience Level: Mid Senior Level (3-7+ years), Senior Level (5-10+ years)

  PQE: 1-3 years, 4-6 years

  Reference Number: NMJ-PL-18318