Associate - Planning - Manchester

The role

We are looking for a solicitor specialising in planning law to join our Manchester real estate team. The role will cover the full range of planning work and includes strategic planning advice, legal review of planning applications, and advice on CIL, planning obligations, planning appeals/inquiries and enforcement. In addition to acting for clients on pure planning matters, we also provide support to the real estate, corporate and projects teams from time to time.

The person

You will have 2+years PQE in planning law, gained in private practice in a Manchester, London, or large regional firm or local authority.

Skills and attributes

• Good academics - 2.1 degree or equivalent and good A levels
• Technically sound
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent written English and ability to produce clear, logical drafting
• Negotiating skills
• Numeracy
• IT literacy
• Good research skills, including an ability to use online information sources
• Lateral thinking and problem solving skills
• Enthusiasm towards building and strengthening relationships with clients and their advisors
• Flexibility to work with several team members
• Effective time and matter management and a systematic approach to work
• Proactive team player
• Drive and commitment to see a job through
• An enthusiasm to market and develop the practice is required.
• Advocacy skills

What else should I know?

Mills & Reeve is a major UK law firm renowned for its outstanding service to national and international clients, for its collaborative culture and for its deep sector expertise.

The firm has a strong sector focus with expertise in agriculture, charities, education, food and beverage, health, insurance, private wealth, real estate investment, sport and technology. Clients include businesses from PLCs to start-ups, high net worth individuals and landowners, more than 120 universities, colleges and education bodies and over 100 healthcare organisations.

You will develop your career with a firm named for a record 18th year running as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, and is one of only a small number of organisations nationally to have achieved a listing for 18 years running, and the only UK law firm.

Pre-employment screening

Please note that, in the event that we make an offer of employment, we will conduct pre-employment screening that includes checks relating to your professional and academic qualifications, references from previous employers, your eligibility to work in the UK and any disciplinary history recorded with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). You will also be required to complete a self-declaration to access your character and suitability.

This post is also subject to a satisfactory response from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Disclosure and barring service check and security clearance

This post is also subject to a satisfactory response from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (to check for any previous criminal convictions) and, given the nature of the work-type, you may also be required to undergo national security vetting to SC level – the latter can be undertaken following commencement of employment.

And finally

Mills & Reeve is committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive environment in which all our people can thrive. We hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our firm stronger, and we have a collaborative culture that celebrates different perspectives and values respect for one another, working together, and openness and integrity. Our approach to flexible working means that we work in a way that achieves the right balance for our people, our clients and for our business.