An excellent opportunity for a Planning Knowledge Counsel / Professional Support Lawyer to join a highly regarded planning practice supporting major development, energy and infrastructure projects across the UK. The successful candidate will combine technical planning expertise with knowledge management, training, innovation and strategic support responsibilities, with the potential for a small element of fee-earning work.

Client Details

Our client is a leading UK law firm with a strong reputation in planning, infrastructure and development work. The team advises on complex, high-profile projects across the development, energy and infrastructure sectors and is known for its collaborative culture, commitment to innovation and investment in professional development.

Description

• Develop, maintain and enhance the team's knowledge resources and know-how bank
• Draft, update and manage precedents, templates and standard documents
• Conduct legal research and provide technical support to the planning practice
• Design, coordinate and deliver internal training programmes
• Support business development initiatives, publications and thought leadership
• Drive innovation projects, including the adoption of AI and legal technology tools
• Work closely with lawyers, knowledge professionals and innovation teams across the firm

Support matters involving:

• Development Consent Orders (DCOs)
• Compulsory purchase and compensation
• Planning applications and appeals
• Marine licensing
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
• Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)
• Public inquiries
• Highways matters
• Judicial review
• Planning agreements
• Due diligence and reporting work

Profile

• Qualified solicitor
• Experience gained within a recognised planning practice
• Strong interest in planning law, knowledge management and legal research
• Enthusiastic about innovation, legal technology and AI
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong academic background
• Commercially minded and collaborative
• Highly organised with strong project and time management skills
• Able to work independently and as part of a wider team

Job Offer

• Competitive salary and annual salary review
• Generous bonus scheme
• Flexible hybrid working
• Up to 25 days' holiday, increasing with service
• Holiday purchase and exchange scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced parental leave provisions
• Strong investment in training, development and career progression
• Opportunity to shape knowledge, innovation and AI strategy within the team