This question could be asked of all solicitors, but with my focus on recruiting planning lawyers, I thought I would pose it specifically in that context and explore some of the alternative career directions planning lawyers might take. This is an opinion piece, based on my experience of working with and placing planning lawyers over the past 23 years.
A career as a planning lawyer is niche and typically pursued by those with a genuine academic interest in the subject matter. It can also be lucrative, but this is rarely the primary motivation.
Having partners within a team is essential for leadership and business development. However, becoming a partner often brings additional responsibilities such as managing client relationships, training and mentoring, as well as contributing to the firm’s strategic objectives. It’s a lot to juggle, especially for junior partners, who must balance these demands while consistently billing and conducting their own business development. This can often come at a stage in many people’s lives when they also face increasing personal responsibilities. I’ve spoken to senior lawyers who have nostalgically reminisced about simpler times, when they could enjoy being a planning lawyer advising on their subject matter that they love. This has got me thinking about what other options exist for those who may wish to pursue alternative career paths.
In-House
While vacancies can be few and far between, the various infrastructure projects across the UK do present viable opportunities for senior planning lawyers. These roles also draw on other valuable skills seen in planners such as project management. It’s not only infrastructure projects that require in-house lawyers, but large developers have also been known to seek in-house planning expertise. With the government’s significant housebuilding targets, there may be an increase in such opportunities. However, in-house vacancies are usually created when someone leaves, making vacancies difficult to predict or secure. A note of caution. In-house lawyers are generally considered to be a cost and if the project gets shelved, or if there is a downturn in the market then these are the jobs that are usually most at risk.
Legal Director / Legal Counsel
Legal Directors or Counsel play in increasingly important role of bridging the leadership gap between Senior Associates and Partners. While some cynics may argue that it’s just another rung on the increasingly complex ladder to partnership, I disagree. Being a Legal Director doesn’t just have to be a destination. It can serve as preparation for life as a partner. However for those who choose not to go down this route, I believe it recognises the seniority and specialist expertise of an experienced lawyer.
It is also worth bearing in mind that not all practices treat planning as a core function, e.g. magic circle or US firms. However, the role of a planning solicitor at one of these practices can be a rewarding and respected alternative, especially if you are the go-to expert in the firm. The work is consistent, so little need for BD and the large internal infrastructure of these practices combined with higher salaries make them a viable alternative. However, as with in-house roles, these positions often only become available when someone leaves as practices like this rarely expand their planning function.
Knowledge Management / PSL Roles
In a technical and ever-evolving discipline such as planning, Knowledge Managers or Professional Support Lawyers (PSLs) can play a crucial role within a team. However, planning teams are usually only resourced to have one (perhaps two, depending on size), so again, vacancies are rare and tend to arise only when someone departs.
Opportunities overseas
Although Planning is not always considered as one of the first disciplines that lends itself to working in other jurisdictions, it is possible with opportunities in the Middle East such as Saudi as well as in locations such as Australia and New Zealand. With some of the leading planning practices expanding around globe on the back of an increase renewable energy projects, I suspect we may see more vacancies in the future.
Platform Firms
The rise of platform firms such as Keystone Law and Bexley Beaumont has given lawyers the freedom to work with their own clients on a fee-sharing basis without the management responsibilities you may get at other practices. These models have proven popular with planning lawyers who have a strong client base and are tired of the bureaucracy often associated with traditional law firm model. This said, this route only suits those who are confident in their ability to generate their own work and manage their own clients. It will be more difficult if you rely on panel work.
Setting Up Your Own
Firm Some lawyers, with a strong enough business case, may decide to take the plunge and set up their own firm. This requires immense personal commitment, but recent examples have shown that there is a market for it. The flexibility and autonomy of being your own boss and finding your own lane can be hugely rewarding.
Everyone is unique and I believe it is important to find your own path and seize an opportunity when you see it. While partnership may be the most common goal, it certainly isn’t the right choice for all
I’d be very interested to hear any thoughts or experiences on this topic. Have I missed any options?
If you’d like to have a chat about your own career direction, please do get in touch.
Stuart Phillips
Managing Consultant
[email protected]
M 07725 246857
D 01206 326904
