Senior Planning Associate

Company: William James Recruitment
Apply for the Senior Planning Associate
Location: Birmingham
Job Description:

Senior Planning Associate / Solicitor – Birmingham City Centre – £75k + Bonus + Benefits

A rare opportunity for a Senior Planning Associate to join a highly regarded planning team in Birmingham City Centre. This Senior Planning Associate role in Birmingham City Centre is ideal for an experienced planning lawyer seeking high‑quality work within a genuinely people‑first, modern law firm.

This Senior Planning Associate role in Birmingham City Centre offers exposure to a broad mix of public and private sector planning work, working closely within a small planning team who are recognised in the Legal 500. The role combines excellent quality instructions with realistic chargeable hours, making it an attractive long‑term career move for planning lawyers seeking balance without sacrificing profile or complexity of work.

As a Senior Planning Associate in Birmingham City Centre, you will join a collaborative and well‑established team with a strong regional and national reputation in planning law.

The Role:

  • Advising on a wide range of public and private planning matters
  • Acting on complex planning applications, appeals and enforcement issues
  • Supporting developers, landowners, local authorities and corporate clients
  • Advising on planning aspects of commercial and residential development projects
  • Drafting and negotiating planning agreements including section 106 agreements
  • Working closely with senior lawyers recognised in the Legal 500
  • Managing matters with a high degree of autonomy
  • Contributing to client relationships and wider business development activity

The Candidate:

  • Experienced Planning Solicitor at Senior Associate level
  • Strong background in planning law across public and private sector
  • Confident handling complex planning issues with minimal supervision
  • Commercially aware with a practical, solutions‑focused approach
  • Strong drafting, advisory and client‑handling skills
  • Comfortable working directly with developers and public bodies
  • Team‑oriented with a collaborative working style
  • Ambitious and seeking long‑term progression within a high‑quality planning practice

The Benefits and How to Apply:

  • Low chargeable hours target with a genuine emphasis on work‑life balance
  • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
  • 24 days annual leave + bank holidays, additional Christmas closure and option to buy more
  • 8% pension scheme (4% employer contribution)
  • Life assurance at 4x salary
  • Health cash plan, virtual GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
  • Structured training, mentoring and long‑term career development pathways

Apply in the strictest of confidence online or via telephone.

Contact:

Samuel Doughty

Direct Dial: 0161 826 3140

Mobile: 07961 696703

Email: sam.doughty@williamjamesrecruitment.com

More About William James Recruitment

William James Recruitment is a specialist legal recruitment consultancy partnering with leading law firms across the UK and internationally. We work with a range of highly regarded clients, advising on key and strategic appointments.

Posted: May 23rd, 2026