Member Article

Royal Town Planning Institute gives barrister important role

A specialist planning barrister at a leading London chambers is hoping to encourage the next generation of lawyers into the industry thanks to an invitation from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). Leanne Buckley-Thomson, of No5 Barristers’ Chambers, which has offices in Salisbury Court, was asked to film a segment for the RTPI’s project with Fun Kids Radio “Agent Plan-It” to encourage school-aged children to engage with planning. In the video, entitled What’s It Like To Be a Planning Barrister, Leanne explains the important role of a planning barrister, what the role entails on a day-to-day basis and why she is so passionate about her work. The RTPI launched the radio show with the aim of introducing eight to 13-year-olds to town planning and explaining the importance it plays in their daily lives. It is running a follow up competition for primary and secondary schools for World Town Planning Day this November. Leanne said: “I was thrilled to be invited to take part in this initiative as it has given me the chance to give something back to the communities in which I work and to encourage the younger generations who will come through into the profession. “Good planning is vital to our communities and impacts on everyone. In my view it is incredibly important that work is done to increase awareness of planning, so that the public can fully engage with the process, and to encourage young people to come into the profession, both as planners and as part of the legal community specialising in this area.” Leanne has previously been recognised in Planning Magazine’s Guide to Planning Lawyers and Law Survey as one of the top planning juniors aged under 35.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Judith Sanders .