Land Planner

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, serving clients with domestic and international operations.

At Husch Blackwell we believe that diverse, equitable and inclusive teams lead to better outcomes. Husch Blackwell is committed to retaining, recruiting, developing, and promoting talented lawyers and business professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We foster an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team culture of accountability and purpose that makes our Firm and our communities better.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation.  If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Real Estate Development Entitlements Specialist/Land Planner position in our Austin, TX office. 

The Land Planner will assist with all aspects of the firm’s real estate, development, and construction practice, with an emphasis on land development entitlements processes including, without limitation, zoning, platting, permitting, economic development, land use planning, due diligence review, and title and survey review. Essential functions include:

• Assist clients and client project teams with the analysis of existing site entitlements and what entitlements will be needed for proposed projects in jurisdictions across the State of Texas.


• Conduct research of properties, including review of zoning, plats, surveys, site development plans, ordinances, land use regulations, and title documents that impact land development.


• Prepare and work with local government agencies, elected and appointed officials, and staff members to submit and process permit applications.


• Coordinate and attend meetings with neighborhood associations, community associations, and other stakeholders.


• Monitor public hearings and meetings of city councils, county commissioners, courts, boards of adjustment, city and county commissions, and similar governmental bodies.


• Attend public hearings and meetings to present cases.


• Conduct site visits as needed to assist with preparation of applications, cases, and presentations.


• Research and monitor changes to state and local governmental regulations on real estate and land use matters, including working with legislators and local government officials as needed to create, advise with regard to, and influence code changes, legislation, and rule changes.


• Draft and manage due diligence checklists, project schedules, and virtual data rooms for client project teams.


• Coordinate directly with professional engineers, architects, and planners to manage projects and project schedules and submittals.


• Supervise work of and assist in training/mentoring one or more Planning Assistants and Land Development Paralegals.


• Attend and participate in continuing education as needed.


• Meet billable hour requirement of 1500 hours per year.

Position Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years relevant experience in real estate and land development, land planning, or development permitting.


• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in Planning preferred.


• AICP certification or a Paralegal certificate preferred.


• Ability to work well under deadlines, to multi-task efficiently, and to be an independent thinker.


• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with a variety of professionals and clients and provide exceptional service, internally and externally, at all times.


• Highly organized, with ability to prioritize workflow and manage projects.


• Ability to perform effectively with little or no supervision and within established time limits and on-going deadlines.


• Excellent attention to detail.


• Client, customer, or constituent management experience.


• Ability to exercise independent judgment in the efficient and cost-effective use of practice support, databases and other technology.


• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in management of client team activities.


• Ability to understand and work within municipal, county, and other governmental processes and protocols.


• Ability to read and understand land development and construction documents and information.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow an individual with a disability to apply for and/or perform the essential functions of a position.  Please reach out to our HR team to request an accommodation.

Please include a cover letter and resume when applying.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Vet. Principal Applicants Only.