Description
Who we are
Our Planning Team acts for a full range of clients in both the private and public sectors. We work closely with colleagues in our leading Public Sector, Real Estate, Construction and Corporate teams providing our clients with the best and most commercial advice, irrespective of market sector. We advise on all contentious and non-contentious aspects of the planning and environmental regimes.
Our team has grown significantly over the last six years. We are based in London, Exeter and Manchester. Not resting on our laurels, our business plan foresees continued growth over the next five years. We have plans to strengthen our practice in London and the regions and an exciting opportunity has now arisen for an Associate to join our national practice. Working seamlessly with colleagues and clients across the country, you will support the London partner Jacqueline Backhaus and the regional partners, Rory Stracey and Amanda Stubbs. Most importantly, however, the opportunity is for you to assist in the future development of the firm's planning offering both inside and outside of London. You will have significant opportunity to develop a strong practice.
Some of the team's high profile and significant matters that have been watched closely by the sector include:
1. Regeneration of Meridian Water – 10,000 homes acting for the London Borough of Enfield;
2. Regeneration of land in Cheltenham creating a new mixed-use development linked to GCHQ – Golden Valley.
3. Regeneration of Land West of Ifield for 10,000 new homes acting for Homes England.
4. Relocation of the Museum of London into Smithfield.
5. Estates regeneration in Merton – Leading on planning, environmental and CPO for 4500 new homes.
6. Regeneration of Ham Close in Richmond acting for Richmond Housing Partnership.
7. Leading planning appeal in Chelsea for Estate regeneration project for 400 new homes.
8. Leading planning and environmental matters for an innovative self-build scheme in Cherwell for 1900 homes.
9. Advising on planning and environmental aspects of Energy to Waste plants in Cambridge and North Yorkshire.
10. Acting for many Registered Providers
11. Acting for Historic England
What you will be doing
12. Complex planning applications – legal reviews and strategic advice
13. Section106 agreements
14. Section 278 agreements
15. General planning advice in respect of major development schemes in the waste sector, the affordable housing sector, as well as the private developer sector
16. Acting for planning authorities and registered providers in relation to CPO work
17. Enforcement issues and public inquiry work
18. Planning due diligence on commercial and corporate transactions
19. Building and maintaining effective client relationships
20. Active participation in marketing initiatives
21. Ensuring files are managed in compliance with Lexcel procedures
22. Participating in firm-wide and departmental training sessions
23. Training and development of junior legal staff and secretary (where appropriate)
What you will need
The firm has a Career Development Framework which sets out the competencies we expect of those at the Associate grade. In particular for this role we require:
24. Proven ability to take on responsibility and manage files, independently where appropriate;
25. Qualified solicitor with up to 5 years' experience in planning work.
26. Strong academic record
27. Exceptional technical legal skills with meticulous attention to detail
28. Unwavering client focus with a track record of superior service delivery
29. Sharp commercial awareness and strategic thinking capabilities
30. Natural credibility and gravitas in client-facing situations
31. Methodical, disciplined and highly organised approach to complex matters
32. Outstanding communication skills across all mediums and audiences
Join a team where your expertise shapes the future of planning law. At Trowers & Hamlins, you'll benefit from structured career development, mentorship from industry leaders, and the opportunity to work on market-defining projects whilst building your reputation as a planning law expert in a supportive, ambitious environment.
Trowers & Hamlins is an equal opportunities employer and values equity, diversity and inclusion. All applications will be considered on merit and the applicant's suitability to meet the requirements of the role and will be treated equally irrespective of Ethnicity, Gender (including Trans and non-binary) Race, Disability, Religion and sexual orientation.
As part of our firm recruitment policy our candidates are subject to employment screening background checks. These checks include personal details, education and employment history, professional qualifications and credit and criminal checks as appropriate.