Land Use Planner

Overview

McGuireWoods is seeking an early-career Land Use Planner to join our Tysons land use team. Our zoning and land use practice draws on more than five decades of Northern Virginia history and is recognized by Chambers USA. The team has helped secure approvals for some of the region’s most transformative residential, mixed-use, transit-oriented, data center, and infrastructure projects. Our practice has a forward-looking and productive history of integrating urban planners as key professional resources alongside our attorneys, and this position is part of that established tradition. Working closely with attorneys, experienced planners, and staff, you will be actively involved in filing and processing land use and development applications across a wide range of projects, including often complex and transformative developments. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career planner to learn the entitlement process from concept through approval in a collaborative, team-first environment.

McGuireWoods, one of the world’s leading law firms, has provided legal solutions to corporate, individual and nonprofit clients since 1834. Along with excellent benefits, McGuireWoods offers most employees a hybrid remote option allowing flexibility and work-life balance. Our Applicant Disclosures describe your rights. Our Privacy Statement describes how we will process and safeguard your personal data.

Responsibilities

• Assist with land use due diligence, including reviewing zoning, subdivision, and comprehensive plans, to help the team develop approval strategies.
• Help prepare, file, and process zoning and development applications, including application materials, exhibits, affidavits, proffers, and related documents.
• Support attorneys and senior planners in coordinating with local government staff and public/private agencies on development, site, and construction approvals.
• Contribute to community engagement efforts that build support for development projects.
• Work with architects, engineers, landscape architects, and other project consultants to coordinate application materials.
• Help prepare presentations to planning commissions, governing bodies, civic associations, and other stakeholders, and attend public meetings and hearings.
• Help track and facilitate follow-on approvals, including site and building permits, after zoning approval.
• Research land use and regulatory issues and help prepare recommendations for the team.
• Collaborate with real estate attorneys on development-related transactional matters, including zoning compliance.
• Participate in team marketing initiatives, professional associations, and pro bono activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, urban studies, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with zoning ordinances, comprehensive plans, rezoning applications, site plans, and subdivision plans through coursework, internships, or early professional experience.
• Interest in local government land use, zoning, and planning policies, and eagerness to learn Northern Virginia jurisdictions.
• Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills with careful attention to detail.
• A team-oriented approach and the ability to work closely with attorneys, planners, and staff, manage deadlines, and take initiative.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and GIS.
• Ability to travel locally as needed.
• Interest in using innovative AI technology, including Harvey and Copilot, to support efficient high-impact work.

Have more questions? Connect with a recruiter directly.