One of Exeter's modern and supportive law firms is looking for a Planning Lawyer to join their planning department, working within a successful, reputable, busy and supportive team. The team has recently welcomed a new Partner and Head of the team, who comes with a wealth of experience, but also brings with her a positive energy that will take the team forward, so it's an exciting time to join the team. The Partner has worked at some of the country's very top law firms, but has a more meaningful and purpose-driven approach to running the department, with a "not so profit-driven" approach. For anyone looking to now join from a larger firm, I'd imagine that this approach will be a welcome change and will give people the opportunity to work somewhere, where you can get more work-life balance, but still with the high-quality work available and not feel so pressured to bill to crazy levels, being able to focus on quality and client relationships.

The work includes a good proportion of local authority work, but also includes major projects, such as garden communities and a number of other projects nationally and not just limited to local work. They have a number of projects from the larger cities, including London, so the value of the work can be high, but possibly without the sometimes unrealistic demands of the larger firms. They also have some strong tenders in for future work and will be looking to continue growing the team, as it develops into a real force in the local market. With 4-5 strong fee-earners already in the team, there will be the opportunity to work with some great people and learn further the work involved.

One of the big sellers about this role is the opportunity to work with who we feel is a grounded, calm, yet highly-experienced, talented and inspirational Partner within the team. We feel this team is really going places and all set within a culture that is supportive and driven by doing the right things by their clients. The firm itself has a modern and commercial feel to it, with circa 180 people in their Exeter office. However, they also encourage work-life balance, as well as being heavily involved in the local community around them. They are about to go through a revamp of their offices, while also looking to update the website, so it could be an exciting time not only to join the team, but to join the firm as a whole, as it continues to develop and grow!

The role will involve:

• Acting for clients on a broad range of planning matters
• The team are happy to consider people with specific interests or verticals within Planning law, as they have flexibility over how they can grow the team
• The team currently has a mix of commercial, local authority and high-net-worth clients

Skills and experience sought:

• The team has the opportunity to either take on a more experienced Planning Lawyer, or potentially someone at the early stages of their qualified career, who the team can support and nurture.
• We could even consider a newly-qualified lawyer, as long as there is a genuine interest in Planning work.
• We are looking for someone who is a real team-player, who will fit in with the ethos of the team around them
• Excellent communication skills
• An enthusiastic approach to client care

Hours and Benefits:

• Monday to Friday = 08:45 - 17:00
• Hybrid and flexible working sometimes available, depending on the team
• 25 day annual leave + Bank Holidays
• Birthday off after 5 years' service
• The firm encourages staff to take an extra 2 days of paid leave for volunteering / CSR days
• Holiday trading scheme (buy or sell up to 5 days per year)
• Auto-enrolment pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Bonus scheme
• Enhanced maternity / paternity pay
• Long service rewards
• Medicash health cash plan
• Mindful Manager - committed to supporting employees' mental health
• Free fruit
• Season ticket loan scheme
• Eye test vouchers

To apply, please submit your application or alternatively please contact James at Aspiria Recruit (contact details on the Aspiria Recruit website)