Associate

Farrer & Co is an independent law firm, with a rich history. A centuries-long tradition of advising private families, individuals and charitable institutions is today complemented by our work with Businesses, Financial Services, Individuals, Families and Family Offices (IFFO), Education and Not For Profit organisations.

We look to be the market leader in our chosen areas of expertise, advising clients on the contentious and non-contentious legal, business and personal issues they face.

Our reputation and success is based on the goodwill of numerous close client relationships. We are trusted advisers, acting in our clients' long-term interests and paying careful attention to quality and personal service.

Our clients tell us they value us for our integrity, good judgement and professional excellence, as well as our broad perspective, practical solutions and value for money. They describe us as 'a likeable bunch' too.

The Commercial Property team provides clients with prompt, practical advice covering all the legal and business issues for the effective ownership and management of commercial properties.  The team incorporates planning, environment and construction law specialists.

Our clients include private property companies, entrepreneurs, funds, charities, institutions and landed estates, banks, international investors and high net worth individuals.

The Firm is looking to recruit a junior Environmental and Planning solicitor to expand our Planning practice. Working closely with others, you will often be the first port of call for planning matters and will therefore need to demonstrate a keen interest and aptitude for developing your knowledge and expertise in this area.

It is essential that you have sound knowledge and experience in planning law and a keen willingness to developing this and the practice further.  Many of our junior solicitors speak at seminars and other public events and this would be an essential part of your role.

• Drafting and negotiating s106 and other infrastructure agreements
• Advice relating to listed building and planning control (including enforcement action)
• Advice relating to contentious planning matters such as judicial review proceedings and Inquiry work, including instructions to Counsel
• Advising on the Community Infrastructure Levy and its operation and exemptions
• Advice relating to compulsory purchase and compensation
• Local Plan representations and objecting to planning applications

• Experience within an established UK Planning team
• A broad range of planning experience
• Strong knowledge of UK planning law and regulation as well as policies and procedures
• Experience of renewable energy projects is an advantage.
• Experience of environment is an advantage but not essential
• Excellent academics
• Experience of public speaking and marketing is an advantage

The role is well suited to someone who is confident and client focused as there will be lots of interaction with property and banking solicitors in particular who need a commercial view on transactions and development projects.

You will need to be a self-starter and comfortable actively promoting and developing the Firm's Planning and Environment practice. While part of the larger Commercial Property Team, you will feel comfortable operating independently, although there will be assistance if required.

It is essential that you have Planning experience and ideally you will have been involved in Environmental work as well. You will have broad private practice experience of planning matters, ideally from a top tier Firm; however, we will also consider in-house candidates who have a planning focus.

Minimum 2.1 degree and a training contract undertaken in a mid-sized or city firm

Our office hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm but it is essential that the applicant is committed, flexible and prepared to work beyond normal office hours when necessary and in response to the demands of the business.