Senior Planning Lawyer

Overview

Join our highly regarded Planning team in the heart of Edinburgh and play a key role in the continued growth of Womble Bond Dickinson's presence in Scotland. Our Edinburgh office offers the energy and ambition of a rapidly expanding hub, combined with the culture, collaboration and high-calibre work you’d expect from an international firm.

Womble Bond Dickinson is a leading law firm in Edinburgh, with 10 years of experience in Scotland. Our Edinburgh office supports Scottish-based businesses across key sectors and provides in-depth, effective legal support to clients. We are now looking for a Senior Planning Lawyer to join our team.

As the firm’s newest office, it is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing team and to contribute to the rising profile of the office within the firm and WBD in Scotland. The Real Estate Planning team is widely regarded as one of the best in the UK, advising on iconic developments across a range of sectors.

Our national team offers a full spectrum of expertise and handles complex mandates in residential, commercial, infrastructure, environmental and waste sectors, including contentious work in Judicial Review and Lands Chamber proceedings.

The role involves working on a wide range of premium planning work outside of central London, with opportunities to:

• Lead on large-scale development consent orders and compulsory acquisitions.

• Provide strategic planning advice and review environmental statements.

• Assist with project management and support the national real estate practice.

• Collaborate with a talented team across offices and contribute to the growth of the Edinburgh office.

• A legal qualification with 7+ years post-admission experience gained within a planning team. Knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and some knowledge of the Planning Act 2008 is desirable.
• Experience of and ability to lead on complex planning agreements.
• Experience of highway agreements.
• Ability to handle inquiries/examinations and judicial reviews relating to planning.
• Knowledge and experience of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
• Whilst not required, experience of compulsory acquisition is also desirable.

We continuously strive to create an open culture that sets us apart from other firms. Our culture has a human focus, emphasising that we’re more than just suits. We are signatories to the Mindful Business Charter and offer resources to support health and wellbeing, with flexible working options.

Through our DEI initiatives we create an inclusive environment. We have a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Group and networks for race, ethnicity, culture, LGBTQ+, disabilities, families, and women’s career development. We are committed to ED&I and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. If you have a disability or long-term condition and need adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting the recruiter.

We will offer an interview to candidates with a disability or long-term condition who meet the minimum criteria.

We are an in-house recruitment team and will generally aim to fill roles directly. If you are an agency, please contact us for ways you can work with us.