Moving to the UK as an overseas-qualified Planning Lawyer can sometimes be a case of being in the right place at the right time. While there is a strong pipeline of planning and infrastructure work across the UK, there are some important nuances within the legal market that are worth understanding before making the move.
Some firms fully embrace overseas lawyers and recognise the value, experience and different perspectives they bring. Others prefer to exhaust the local recruitment market before looking internationally, often because they are seeking candidates who are likely to remain with the firm for the longer term. There are also firms that welcome the flexibility overseas lawyers can provide, particularly when teams are experiencing temporary increased workloads caused by deadline or capacity pressures.
Understandably, many overseas lawyers are drawn to London. In some cases, this is because a partner or spouse has secured a role there. For others, it is simply the attraction of one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting cities. However, the reality is that many of the UK’s leading planning law practices have significant teams in cities such as Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Each city has its own character, strengths and opportunities. If you are open to considering locations beyond London, you are likely to increase your chances of securing a role.
Another option worth exploring is the public sector. Opportunities within local authorities and the Government Legal Department can provide excellent hands-on experience and a valuable introduction to the UK planning system. Several overseas-qualified lawyers I have worked with started their UK careers in these organisations before moving into private practice.
It can be tempting to send your CV to every firm with a planning team when you arrive in the UK. However, in my experience, this approach can sometimes complicate matters if the right opportunity arises later. A more strategic approach is to target specific vacancies and firms that genuinely align with your experience and career goals. If you have existing contacts within law firms, these relationships can provide an excellent route into the market. Conversely, a blanket approach can often be counterproductive.
Ultimately, there is no single formula for successfully relocating to the UK as a Planning Lawyer. However, those who are flexible, take the time to understand the market and are prepared to move quickly when opportunities arise are often the ones who secure the roles they are looking for.
