Working as a specialist Planning Solicitor for a law firm is a relatively new discipline, originally derived from Commercial Property. Commercial Property lawyers traditionally advised on planning matters as well as real estate, with certain individuals developing it as a specialism in the 1980s. As the commercial property market boomed and planning rules became increasingly complex, some firms began dedicating lawyers solely to this area. Over several decades, this evolved into the standalone sector it is today.
Many years later, the UK planning system has become one of the most complex and technical areas of law, as it balances the demands of commercial developers, social and economic needs, and government priorities. This is exciting for many, as it involves a mixture of strategic thinking, technical detail, and often results in projects that leave a lasting legacy.
How can an aspiring lawyer pursue a career in planning?
There are several avenues to explore, but it’s important to do your research first. Planning is widely considered a UK-based sector, so it makes sense to seek a training contract or apprenticeship with a practice that treats planning as a core part of its business. The Legal 500 or Chambers are good places to start, as they list the leading firms. It’s also worth looking at specialised publications such as Planning Magazine, which runs an annual survey of the leading planning lawyers.
Aspiring lawyers often gravitate towards large corporate firms, but it’s worth noting that globalisation means the largest UK law firms do not always treat planning as a core discipline. As a result, the leading firms in this sector are not always the global players at the top of the UK rankings. These practices often have national reach and may include boutique firms as well.
It’s worth investigating how to secure training contracts at these practices. Check their careers pages and follow them on platforms such as LinkedIn, where they often post useful information about application windows for vacation schemes or training contracts. If you’ve missed an application deadline, consider applying for paralegal roles. While rare in planning, they do occasionally arise. If you can’t find one in planning, look for roles in adjacent areas such as Commercial Real Estate, Construction, or Property Litigation.
Don’t overlook the public sector, which is also an excellent place to gain experience in Planning Law. Local authorities are great training grounds and often take on trainees. Some local planning authorities now operate shared services, offering exposure to a wider variety of planning work across broader geographical areas.
A career as a planning lawyer can be highly rewarding, especially if you enjoy seeing a project through to its tangible result. If you would like more information on routes into becoming a planning lawyer or on well-known firms in this sector, please contact Stuart Phillips.
At Origin Legal, we’ve been guiding lawyers through career moves for over 20 years. If you’d like an honest, informal conversations about your own career direction, we’d be delighted to help.
