Planning Lawyer - Central Government

Role: Planning Lawyer REF 104867
Contract Length: 6 months
Location: Hybrid/London - 60% onsite
IR35: Inside
Pay Rate to Intermediary: £44.78 per hour
Security Clearance: BPSS

About the Role

Spinwell is recruiting for a Planning Lawyer for an excellent opportunity within the public sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide pragmatic, risk-based legal advice on planning, environmental, and public law matters.
• Advise on major infrastructure and development projects, including energy, transport, and regeneration schemes.
• Support policy development and legislative change, including secondary legislation drafting.
• Assess and advise on judicial review risk and litigation strategy.
• Collaborate closely with policy officials and stakeholders across government.
• Deliver clear, commercially focused advice within a fast-paced and high-profile environment.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Qualified Solicitor (via LPC or SQE route) or Barrister.
• Strong planning law experience gained within private practice, public sector, or equivalent environments.
• Experience supporting infrastructure projects, major developments, or complex planning matters.
• Knowledge of environmental law, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), and associated regulatory frameworks.
• Experience advising on or supporting judicial review and contentious matters.
• Ability to provide practical, commercially aware legal advice.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Have worked on complex, high-value development or infrastructure projects.
• Understand how planning decisions are challenged, reviewed, and defended.
• Are comfortable operating within a policy-driven and politically sensitive environment.
• Can provide clear and pragmatic advice under pressure.
• Have broad planning and infrastructure experience rather than a narrow specialist focus.

Disability Confident Scheme

The client supports the Disability Confident Scheme and is committed to providing fair and inclusive recruitment opportunities. Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role may be eligible for an interview under the scheme. Where application volumes are particularly high, the client may shortlist those candidates who best meet the role requirements.

Armed Forces Covenant

The client supports the Armed Forces Covenant and is committed to helping veterans and military spouses or partners access employment opportunities. Eligible veterans and spouses or partners of Armed Forces personnel who meet the minimum essential criteria may qualify for an interview under the client’s applicable recruitment scheme. Where application volumes are particularly high, shortlisting may be necessary.

How to Apply Under These Schemes

If you believe you qualify under either scheme, please inform your Spinwell recruitment consultant when applying and quote the relevant vacancy reference. We will explain the applicable process and confirm your request with the client.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, or would prefer an alternative or more accessible method of communication, please let us know. We will work with you and the client to accommodate your needs wherever reasonably possible.

Candidate Privacy Notice

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