Associate – Planning – Manchester

Overview

In this Associate role, you support the national planning practice within a leading law firm, working with cross-regional colleagues to shape planning advice for private and public sector clients. You will handle complex planning applications and related agreements, contribute to high-profile regeneration projects, and help develop the firm’s planning offering beyond London. You’ll engage with clients, authorities, and providers, delivering strategic, commercial legal guidance. The role offers strong career development and exposure to market-defining projects.

Pay / Benefits

• annual bonus scheme
• GPP Pension Scheme with Aviva
• Private Medical Insurance (Vitality Health)
• discounted gym memberships
• free cinema tickets
• health assessments

Responsibilities

• Handle complex planning applications with legal reviews and strategic advice
• Draft and negotiate Section 106 and Section 278 agreements
• Provide general planning advice on major development schemes across waste, affordable housing, and private developer sectors
• Act for planning authorities and registered providers on CPO work
• Address enforcement issues and participate in public inquiries
• Perform planning due diligence in commercial and corporate transactions
• Build and maintain effective client relationships and contribute to marketing initiatives
• Ensure files comply with Lexcel procedures
• Participate in firm-wide and departmental training
• Mentor junior staff and support secretary training where appropriate

Key requirements

• Qualified solicitor with up to 5 years’ planning experience
• Strong academic record
• Exceptional technical legal skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Unwavering client focus and superior service delivery
• Sharp commercial awareness and strategic thinking
• Natural credibility and gravitas in client-facing situations
• Methodical, disciplined and highly organised approach
• Outstanding communication skills across all mediums and audiences

• client-facing credibility
• communication skills
• commercial awareness
• planning law expertise
• Section 106
• Section 278

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