Planning Lawyer

Planning Lawyer | Leading UK Law Firm | London A leading UK law firm, known for its strong presence in planning, infrastructure and public law, is looking to hire a talented lawyer into its national team. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and highly respected department acting on nationally significant projects across transport, energy, and development sectors. This is a rare chance to work at the cutting edge of infrastructure and planning law. The team advises on some of the UK's most complex and high-value projects, including Development Consent Orders (DCOs), compulsory purchase, environmental law, and infrastructure delivery. You will work closely with senior industry leaders who are recognised as experts in their field, including experienced Parliamentary Agents and advisors to key public bodies and private developers. Key Responsibilities: - Advising on major infrastructure projects, including DCOs under the Planning Act 2008 - Acting on behalf of public sector clients, promoters, and developers in relation to planning, highways and compulsory purchase law - Drafting and negotiating statutory agreements (S106, highways, utilities) - Advising on environmental law, biodiversity net gain and the Habitats Regulations - Handling contentious matters including planning appeals, statutory challenges and judicial review - Providing strategic input on planning applications and infrastructure authorisation processes - Supporting petitions and Parliamentary Bill work (HS2, Crossrail etc.) Candidate Requirements: - Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales with 2-7 years PQE. - Experience in planning, infrastructure, environmental or public law - A background in advising on DCOs, compulsory purchase, or major infrastructure schemes (desirable but not essential) - Strong drafting and advocacy skills - Excellent communication and client-handling abilities - A collaborative, solutions-focused mindset This role would suit lawyers from either a private practice or public sector background, including local authority lawyers or those with central government experience. The Opportunity: - Join one of the UK's foremost planning and infrastructure teams - Work alongside nationally recognised experts with extensive public and private sector experience - Take part in some of the most high-profile and transformational infrastructure projects in the country - Excellent training and mentoring from senior lawyers with decades of experience - Friendly, collegiate team with a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture - Hybrid working and flexibility across multiple office locations - Long-term career development within a well-established and growing practice To discuss this opportunity in confidence, or to request further information, please get in touch. BCL Legal is an equal opportunities employer.