Planning Associate / Senior Associate – Exeter

Overview

In Exeter, join a national Planning & Infrastructure team to lead high-impact planning matters across sectors. You will manage a varied caseload, collaborate with Partners, and contribute to major regional and national projects. The role focuses on complex planning work, strategic development, and infrastructure schemes, with opportunities to develop a sector specialism. You’ll work in a supportive, forward-thinking firm culture that values autonomy and growth.

Pay / Benefits

• Competitive salary
• comprehensive benefits package
• clear progression pathways
• meaningful development opportunities
• exposure to high value planning work
• collaborative and supportive team

Responsibilities

• Handle complex planning matters across diverse sectors and contribute to major regional and national projects
• Engage with large-scale strategic development and energy/infrastructure schemes
• Manage planning obligations and CIL issues, lawful development certificates, and highways matters
• Oversee enforcement, compulsory purchase, judicial reviews, statutory challenges, and appeals
• Support wider teams on property acquisitions, disposals and contentious planning issues
• Run your own caseload while collaborating with Partners and colleagues across offices
• Develop a growing sector specialty and maintain high levels of client contact

Key requirements

• 4+ years’ PQE in planning law
• Experience in residential development and/or energy-related matters (desirable)
• Excellent communication skills and ability to handle complex issues
• Strong technical ability, meticulous attention to detail, sound judgement
• Ability to build trusted, long-lasting client relationships
• Passion for energy, infrastructure, and sustainable development (advantageous)

• strong communication
• relationship building
• attention to detail
• planning law expertise
• planning obligations and CIL
• enforcement and appeals handling

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