Planning Lawyer

The Opportunity

A Top 100 UK law firm is seeking an experienced Planning Solicitor (3+ PQE) to join its nationally recognised Planning team. The practice works with a wide-ranging client base, including residential and mixed-use developers, a leading UK retailer, corporate occupiers, contractors, charities, investors, funders, the NHS, local authorities, and Government bodies.

This role offers the opportunity to advise on complex and high-profile planning matters across multiple sectors, with excellent prospects for career development. Hybrid working is supported, with team members typically in the office 2–3 days per week.

The Role

You will advise clients on all aspects of planning and highways law, including:

• Providing strategic advice on securing planning permission and risk management
• Drafting and negotiating complex statutory and highways agreements, including s.106 agreements and land development agreements
• Conducting detailed planning due diligence on real estate, funding, and corporate transactions
• Advising on judicial reviews, enforcement matters, appeals, and committee hearings
• Handling specialist planning issues such as special protection areas, Assets of Community Value, and Village Greens
• Advising on highways law, CIL, EIA, and GLA planning matters

The role offers the chance to manage your own caseload while working alongside senior colleagues on significant development projects. You will also be encouraged to get involved in business development and marketing initiatives, with the opportunity to grow your profile and network both within the firm and externally.

Requirements

The successful candidate will be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with at least 3 years’ PQE and demonstrable experience in planning and highways law. You will also bring:

• Strong track record in drafting and negotiating complex planning and highways agreements
• Experience advising on planning-led regeneration projects, appeals, and judicial reviews
• Excellent technical knowledge, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to explain complex planning issues to clients in a clear, commercial way
• Proven business development experience and enthusiasm for growing client relationships
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunity to join a nationally recognised Planning team in a Top 100 firm
• High-quality, varied caseload spanning developers, investors, public bodies, and corporate clients
• Clear opportunities for career progression and practice development
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• A collaborative and supportive team culture

For a confidential discussion, please contact Jonny Dickens on 07747 520 600 / jonny@vastorecruitment.co.uk