Planning Associate

Planning Solicitor | 1-5 years' PQE | International Law Firm | Birmingham Work on some of the UK's most significant regeneration and infrastructure projects at a pivotal point in your legal career. Overview A leading national/international law firm is looking to recruit a Planning Solicitor (Associate level) with 1-5 years' PQE to join its dynamic and growing planning team in Birmingham. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a highly regarded practice that works across a broad spectrum of planning and environmental law, advising a diverse client base including public bodies, developers, housing associations, and infrastructure specialists. This position offers you the chance to contribute to major national development projects, within a collaborative team that sits at the heart of the firm's broader real estate, construction, and public sector offering. The firm is committed to sustainable growth, and this role provides a clear route for progression and professional development. The Role As a Planning Solicitor, you will: · Provide legal advice on complex planning matters including applications, legal challenges, and enforcement issues · Draft and negotiate Section 106 and Section 278 agreements · Advise on compulsory purchase and land assembly strategies · Support large-scale development, regeneration, and infrastructure projects · Undertake planning due diligence on corporate and real estate transactions · Represent clients at planning appeals, inquiries, and hearings · Engage in business development initiatives and client relationship management · Contribute to the training and supervision of junior colleagues (as appropriate) Examples of Work The team is currently advising on a variety of nationally significant projects, including: · Multi-phase urban extensions delivering thousands of new homes · City-centre regeneration schemes incorporating mixed-use and residential development · Planning strategy for the relocation of key cultural institutions · Major estate regeneration programmes for housing providers · Renewable energy and waste infrastructure developments · Legal support on innovative self-build and community-led housing schemes · Advisory work for national heritage and conservation organisations The Candidate The successful candidate will have: · 1-5 years' post-qualification experience in planning law (private practice or public sector) · A strong technical understanding of planning legislation and policy · Experience advising on both contentious and non-contentious planning matters · Strong drafting and negotiation skills · Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities · A collaborative mindset with an interest in business development · A commitment to delivering high-quality client service The Offering In return, you will receive: · A highly competitive salary and bonus · A full suite of benefits including private healthcare and pension contributions · Access to high-profile national work with a wide-ranging client base · Ongoing professional development and a structured progression framework · Flexible working options and a focus on wellbeing · A supportive, inclusive culture where your ideas and input are valued How to Apply If you're a planning solicitor looking to take the next step in your career within a high-performing and forward-thinking team, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now or contact Angharad Warren at BCL Legal for a confidential discussion. BCL Legal is an equal opportunities employer. All applications will be assessed solely on merit, suitability, and potential, regardless of background or identity.