3+ Planning Lawyer - Reading or Southampton

🚨 Planning Solicitor - 3+ PQE
📍 Reading or Southampton (Hybrid Working Available)
💰 Competitive Salary + Bonus & Comprehensive Benefits
🏢 Leading National Law Firm | Chambers & Legal 500 Ranked

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Planning Solicitor with 3+ years' PQE to join a top-ranked national planning team at a highly respected law firm with offices in Reading or Southampton. The role offers exposure to complex and varied development work across the UK, with a supportive team and flexible hybrid working.

The Firm
Known for its deep sector expertise and national footprint, this Legal 500 firm advises a prestigious client base spanning housebuilders, retail giants, government bodies, NHS Trusts, developers, charities and local authorities. The planning team is integral to the wider real estate and infrastructure group, and is recognised for its technical strength and commercial acumen.

The Role
You'll be involved in a wide variety of planning and development matters, including:
* Advising on planning strategy, applications and securing consents
* Drafting and negotiating s106 and highways agreements
* Planning due diligence on real estate, corporate and funding transactions
* Advising on Special Protection Areas, Village Greens, Assets of Community Value
* Handling planning appeals, judicial reviews, and enforcement matters
* Providing highways law advice and EIA/CIL/GLA planning guidance
* Reviewing planning documents and committee reports for risk and compliance

You'll manage your own matters while working closely with senior lawyers on major development schemes. The role also offers opportunities to get involved in business development and to grow your profile in the market.

What We're Looking For
* Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with 3+ years' PQE in planning law
* Solid experience of drafting complex planning and infrastructure agreements
* Familiarity with planning due diligence, judicial reviews, and appeals
* Strong technical knowledge of EIA, CIL and local planning regimes
* Excellent communication skills - confident advising clients from all backgrounds
* A proactive, commercial approach with a desire to build a practice

Why Apply?
* Work with a highly regarded national planning team on complex and varied matters
* Flexible hybrid working from Reading or Southampton
* Opportunities to develop your own caseload and long-term career progression
* Supportive, inclusive team culture with strong mentorship
* Competitive salary, bonus scheme and full benefits package

📞 For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact Stephanie Richardson at Henderson Scott on 07584 104790.