Trainee solicitors qualifying in 2026 are beginning to get in touch with me for careers advice and insight into what the recruitment market may hold for those considering qualification into planning. For me, these conversations are always an excellent opportunity to speak with the next generation of planning lawyers. If you have completed a seat in Planning and are keen to qualify into it, below are some points to consider when looking at NQ opportunities this summer.
Why Planning?
This is the first question I ask all trainees and you should be prepared to answer it at interview. After all, a career as a Planning Lawyer is not the most traditional route, so being able to clearly articulate why you want to pursue it is essential.
Common reasons I hear include:
- A variety of work across different sectors, along with the ability to shape your own niche.
- The opportunity to work on tangible projects and see the real-world impact of your work.
- Exposure to a sector that is often politically driven.
- Contributing to social change and helping to create better environments for people and leaving a legacy for future generations.
What type of firm do I want to work for?
Doing your research in advance will make a significant difference. While salary, benefits and targets are easy to find, you’ll need to dig deeper to understand which firms are known for what.
For example, if you know you prefer the cut and thrust of development planning, identifying which firms have strong reputations in this area will help you focus your search. Resources such as The Legal 500 and LinkedIn are good places to start.
What location is best for me?
Where do you want to practice? Planning has major hubs across UK city centres, and demand for lawyers varies by region. While London offers attractive salaries and lifestyle benefits, it doesn’t always guarantee the highest-quality work.
Regional centres have long been integral to many firms, and lawyers willing to build a career there are often highly sought after. Promotion prospects can also be stronger in these locations.
Career planning
This links closely to the question of location. Not everyone aspires to partnership and Planning offers many rewarding alternatives, but for those who do, it’s worth assessing the prospects at any firm you are considering.
You should investigate:
- Does the existing team already have several partners?
- How many senior lawyers are already on a partnership track?
- Does the firm value planning as a standalone function, or is it treated as a support team?
At junior level, securing that first job is the priority, but it’s helpful to be aware that a future lateral move may be necessary for progression.
Innovation
We are going through a period of rapid technological change, and the lawyers who will succeed are those who embrace the integration of tech into the planning system. Firms are investing heavily in how data and technology will influence planning, so attend courses, stay informed, and ensure you are prepared for how tech may reshape the profession.
Most major firms and chambers publish blogs and articles make use of these to stay up to date.
Stuart Phillips is a Managing Consultant at Origin Legal and can be contacted on 01206 326 904 / 07725 246 857 or at [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-phillips-7b62729/
