Associate – Planning – Exeter

Overview

As an Associate in our national Planning practice, you will help shape planning strategies for both private and public sector clients. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver commercial, legally robust advice on complex schemes and environmental issues. You will play a key role in developing the planning offering across London and the regions, with significant client-facing opportunities. This role combines high-profile projects with a supportive, ambitious culture that values growth and expertise. You will work on market-defining matters that impact regeneration, infrastructure, and housing development.

Pay / Benefits

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

Responsibilities

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

Key requirements

• Proven ability to take on responsibility and manage files independently
• 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 organized approach
• Outstanding communication skills across all mediums and audiences

• client-focused
• commercial awareness
• excellent communication
• planning applications
• Section 106 agreements
• Section 278 agreements

…