Planning Lawyer

Planning Lawyer | International Law Firm | City of London An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Planning Solicitor to join a growing national planning practice in London. This is an excellent opportunity for a planning lawyer looking to take the next step in their career and play a meaningful role in the continued growth of an ambitious planning team. Rather than joining a static practice, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced planning partners on high-profile development and regeneration projects while helping to shape the firm's planning offering both in London and nationally. The planning team advises a broad range of private and public sector clients across both contentious and non-contentious planning and environmental matters. You will work closely with leading colleagues across Public Sector, Real Estate, Construction and Corporate, providing commercially focused planning advice as part of wider development and regeneration projects. The practice has particular strength across major development, regeneration, infrastructure, housing and environmental projects, acting for local authorities, registered providers, developers and other major organisations. Your responsibilities will include: - Advising on complex planning applications, including legal reviews and strategic planning advice. - Negotiating and advising on Section 106 agreements. - Advising on Section 278 agreements and related infrastructure arrangements. - Providing planning advice on major development schemes across sectors including waste, affordable housing and private development. - Acting for planning authorities and registered providers on compulsory purchase order (CPO) matters. - Advising on planning enforcement issues and planning inquiries and appeals. - Undertaking planning due diligence in connection with commercial and corporate transactions. - Building and maintaining strong, long-term client relationships. - Contributing proactively to marketing and business development initiatives. - Managing files in accordance with Lexcel procedures and maintaining high standards of client service. - Participating in firm-wide and departmental training. - Supporting the training and development of junior lawyers and, where appropriate, secretarial staff. Candidate requirements: - 1-5 PQE with strong experience across planning law, with exposure to both contentious and/or non-contentious matters. - Proven ability to take responsibility for matters and manage files independently where appropriate. - A strong academic record. - Excellent technical legal skills and meticulous attention to detail. - A genuine commitment to delivering outstanding client service. - Strong commercial awareness and the ability to understand the wider strategic context of planning matters. - Confidence and credibility when dealing directly with clients and other stakeholders. - A methodical, organised and disciplined approach to managing complex matters. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. - The ambition and enthusiasm to contribute to business development and the continued growth of the practice. The standout feature of this opportunity is the scope for career development. The planning practice is already well established but is not standing still. With an ambitious growth strategy across London and the regions, the successful Associate will have the opportunity to become an important part of that expansion. You will work directly with experienced planning partners and have exposure to sophisticated clients and market-leading regeneration, housing, infrastructure and development projects. As your experience develops, there is scope to take greater responsibility for client relationships, lead matters and build your own reputation in the planning market. For a planning solicitor who wants to combine high-quality technical work with genuine responsibility, client exposure and long-term progression, this is an opportunity to consider. Applications will be considered on merit, and the firm is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the recruitment process. Employment screening and background checks will be undertaken as appropriate, including checks relating to education, employment history, professional qualifications and other relevant information. BCL Legal is an equal opportunities employer.