Job Description Planning Senior Associate Location : London (City of London) Career Level: Senior Associate 4-8 PQE Salary : £65,000 - £90,000 Bonus (dependent on experience) Join One of the UK's Fastest Growing Planning Teams Are you an enthusiastic and passionate planning lawyer looking to join a friendly, supportive, and ambitious team? Our client, a nationally recognised law firm with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices, is seeking a qualified Planning Senior Associate with 4-8 years' PQE to join their expanding Planning and Environment Group in London. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a truly multi-disciplinary team of 32 professionals comprising planning lawyers, environmental lawyers, advocates, and planning consultants operating across all development sectors. Identified in the Planning Law Survey as one of the fastest growing planning teams over two consecutive years and ranked as 16th largest in the country, the team is recognised for its depth of knowledge, breadth of experience, and for providing clear, pragmatic, and commercial advice. The Team The Planning and Environment Group is a truly multi-disciplinary team of 32 professionals comprising planning lawyers, environmental lawyers, advocates, and planning consultants operating across all development sectors. The Group is recognised for its depth of knowledge, breadth of experience, and for providing clear, pragmatic, and commercial advice and support in navigating the planning process – from the inception of a proposal through to delivery – in order to secure the optimal outcome for clients. Identified in the Planning Law Survey as one of the fastest growing planning teams over two consecutive years and ranked as 16th largest in the country, the team operates nationally across the firm's 13 offices. The team offers a supportive and flexible working environment with exciting work opportunities across many development sectors including residential, commercial, retail, industrial, infrastructure, energy, and regeneration. The Role As a Planning Senior Associate, you will work with the firm's Planning and Environment Group, supporting growth across the wider team which operates nationally. You will be based in the firm's London office. You will work on a diverse range of planning matters across multiple development sectors, providing clear, pragmatic, and commercial advice to clients navigating the planning process from inception through to delivery. Your key responsibilities will include: Drafting and negotiating Section 106 agreements Advising on highways and other statutory agreements Advising on planning, highways, and associated law Conducting due diligence for property and corporate transactions Handling contentious planning work, including Planning Inquiries and hearings Advising on Court challenges and Judicial Reviews Working on large regeneration schemes Advising clients across multiple development sectors Providing clear, pragmatic, and commercial advice throughout the planning process Working collaboratively with planning consultants, environmental lawyers, and advocates Building and developing client relationships Contributing to business development activities Providing exceptional client service with commercially focused advice Managing your own caseload of planning matters Staying current with developments in planning law and policy About You Essential Requirements: 4-8 years' PQE in planning law Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales Strong technical knowledge of planning law and policy Experience drafting and negotiating Section 106 agreements Experience advising on highways and other statutory agreements Experience advising on planning, highways, and associated law Experience conducting due diligence for property and corporate transactions Experience handling contentious planning work, including Planning Inquiries and hearings Experience advising on Court challenges and Judicial Reviews Excellent drafting and negotiation skills Strong client care skills with ability to build and maintain relationships Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously Commercially focused with pragmatic approach to problem-solving Team player who thrives in a collaborative multi-disciplinary environment Commitment to delivering exceptional client service Highly Desirable: Experience working on large regeneration schemes Experience across multiple development sectors (residential, commercial, retail, industrial, infrastructure, energy) Experience working collaboratively with planning consultants and advocates Experience working on national planning matters Business development experience within the planning sector Experience working in a multi-office environment Key Attributes: Enthusiastic and passionate about planning law Ambitious and driven with desire to progress within the planning sector Proactive and self-motivated with strong work ethic Client-focused with commitment to exceptional service delivery Strong team player who works seamlessly in a multi-disciplinary environment Commercially astute with excellent problem-solving abilities Strong attention to detail and accuracy Friendly and supportive colleague Ability to manage own caseload independently Adaptable and flexible approach to work What's On Offer Our client is committed to recognising and rewarding great work, with rewards and benefits that are among the best in the business. Benefits include: Competitive salary: £65,000 - £90,000 (dependent on experience) Bonus scheme Clear progression pathway with leadership support Award-winning firm with national reputation Part of a multi-disciplinary team of 32 planning and environment professionals One of the fastest growing planning teams in the UK (Planning Law Survey, two consecutive years) Ranked 16th largest planning team in the country Work across multiple development sectors: residential, commercial, retail, industrial, infrastructure, energy, regeneration Supportive and flexible working environment Exciting work opportunities across many development sectors National practice with opportunities across 13 UK offices Work with planning consultants, environmental lawyers, and advocates Excellent training and professional development opportunities Employee awards programme recognising excellent work Strong focus on employee wellbeing Inclusive and diverse culture (Gold Investors in People Award, Firm of the Year at UK Diversity Legal Awards) Collaborative team environment where everyone's voice is heard Modern City of London office with excellent facilities and transport links Flexible working arrangements available About Our Client Our client is one of the largest full-service law firms in the UK, with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices nationwide. Built on solid foundations of integrity, entrepreneurialism, and expertise, the firm has established an award-winning reputation and continues to grow. The Planning and Environment Group is a truly multi-disciplinary team of 32 professionals comprising planning lawyers, environmental lawyers, advocates, and planning consultants operating across all development sectors. Identified in the Planning Law Survey as one of the fastest growing planning teams over two consecutive years and ranked as 16th largest in the country, the team is recognised nationally for its depth of knowledge, breadth of experience, and pragmatic approach. The firm is widely recognised for its inclusive attitude and diversity, winning 'Firm of the Year' at the UK Diversity Legal Awards and achieving Gold in the Investors in People Award. The firm's values are smart, bold, and together, with a commitment to making a positive change at every touchpoint for colleagues, clients, and communities. L ocation This role is based in the firm's London office, located in the City of London with excellent transport links (close to major Underground stations and mainline rail connections) and access to the capital's amenities. The office offers a modern, professional working environment with a friendly, collaborative team culture. How to Apply If you're an ambitious, hardworking, and self-motivated litigation lawyer looking to advance your career in property litigation with an award-winning team, we'd love to hear from you. Click apply now or contact Mara or 0333 996 2882