Planning Associate / Senior Associate | Legal 500 Ranked | Leeds & Manchester | 3+ PQE
An award‑winning law firm boasting some of the UK’s heaviest‑hitting projects is seeking an Associate to join their highly regarded and vibrant Planning team in Leeds. This role offers excellent pay, exposure to top‑tier clients, and some of the highest quality planning work available.
The Firm
Recognised globally as one of the leading law firms, this Top 25 international firm boasts numerous Tier 1 Legal 500 rankings across multiple practice areas. Renowned for nurturing some of the world’s most respected legal talent, the firm combines cutting‑edge legal innovation with a welcoming and supportive working culture. Despite its global stature and impressive workload, the firm prioritises a healthy work‑life balance and promotes a friendly, inclusive environment where employees genuinely feel valued. Their commitment to professional development ensures lawyers can actively take ownership of their career progression.
The Role
Joining the Legal 500‑ranked Planning team, you will work on high‑profile, complex projects that directly influence the future infrastructure of the UK. You will benefit from close collaboration with the firm’s award‑winning Infrastructure team, leveraging one of the best client bases in the country, particularly strong in Transport & Energy sectors coupled with Green Energy.
In this role the workload is broad and varied; it can include anything ranging from development consent orders, sector 106's, land assembly strategy, public inquiries and much more.
You will work alongside exceptional colleagues, gaining exposure to complex and varied matters, and developing your technical expertise and client relationship skills.
Your Experience
* Qualified Solicitor with 3+ years’ PQE in Planning law
* Experience managing complex planning matters for large clients, ideally within a top‑tier or international firm
* Proactive, commercially minded, with excellent client handling and communication skills
* Team player willing to mentor junior colleagues and contribute to business development
Benefits & Opportunities
* Work within a highly ranked Planning team in a Top 25 international firm
* Exposure to large‑scale, complex projects across multiple jurisdictions
* Structured career progression and clear promotion pathways
* Supportive, inclusive culture with flexible working arrangements
* Market‑leading salary, lucrative bonus potential, and comprehensive benefits package
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