Planning Solicitor

Our Commercial Property department is growing at over 50% year on year, and we have a unique opportunity for a Planning Solicitor (8+ PQE) to join us on a part time basis to help develop our commercial property practice further.

About Harper James

Harper James is a growing and ambitious commercial law firm like no other. Forget any misconceptions you may have, we're not stuffy or inhibited by traditions.

Founded in 2014, our purpose is as strong now as it was then - to enable growth-oriented businesses to succeed through delivering top-quality legal services by acting as partners in our clients’ journeys while our people enjoy a true work-life balance.

Harper James continues to grow at c40%+ year on year. This year, more than 150 people will support 4000+ businesses and we expect to double our turnover over the next two years.

Remote working

We offer truly remote working with access to meeting space in Birmingham, Cambridge, London, Manchester, Oxford, Southampton, Cardiff and Sheffield.

We work really hard to ensure our lawyers are part of the team. We work on client and internal projects as teams, collaborating, sharing ideas and enjoying each other’s company. The remote set up simply allows people to work from wherever they want, to give people the flexibility they need, for whatever reason. We want people to feel that they belong to an ambitious company and that their contribution towards our growth is recognised individually and as a team.

What does the ideal candidate look like?

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Planning Solicitor to play an important role within our firm.

Key responsibilities will include:-

• Undertake planning-related due diligence for commercial property transactions, including review of planning permissions, conditions, and enforcement notices.
• Advise on planning risks, constraints (e.g. listed buildings, conservation areas, Green Belt), CIL, and Section 106 agreements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contractual clauses relating to planning matters.
• Advise on and negotiate planning warranties and indemnities.
• Support lending processes by preparing planning reports and advice letters for banks and funders.
• Collaborate with clients and consultants on planning strategies for new developments, amendments, and lawful development certificates.
• Draft, negotiate, and advise on Section 106 and other planning agreements with local authorities.
• Advise on planning risks from or opportunities for judicial review and related litigation.
• Address enforcement actions, including advice on compliance, regularisation, and defence.
• Liaise with local authorities, planning consultants, and internal teams to resolve planning issues.
• Provide updates and training to the commercial property team on legislative or policy changes impacting planning law.

We need tech-savvy self-starters who thrive in a fast-paced, modern work environment. We leverage cutting-edge technology to streamline our office processes and maximize productivity.

You’ll excel as part of the HJ team if you:

• Are a quick learner, ready to adapt to new systems and technologies with enthusiasm.
• Are excited about adopting and using AI tools to boost efficiency and productivity.
• Have a solid working knowledge of Microsoft 365 products (eg. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Can confidently navigate SharePoint to manage and collaborate on projects.
• Have a keen eye for detail when formatting and editing documents, ensuring consistency and professionalism.

The bottom line

This is an opportunity to play an important part in the growth of the corporate practice, within an environment free of politics and bureaucracy; just a great team of people who all play a fundamental part in the success and continued growth of the business.

• Work where and when you want.
• An environment with no politics, no bureaucracy and a great team of people who all play a fundamental part in the success and continued growth of the business.
• Competitive salary and bonus.
• 33 days holiday, including public holidays FTE.
• Option to buy up to 5 holiday days a year FTE.
• Private Healthcare
• Death in service benefit.
• Access to our electric car scheme.
• Flexible working as part of a fully remote but collaborative team.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE