A specialist Planning and Housing practitioner at No5 Barristers’ 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 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.

The video, entitled What’s It Like To Be a Planning Barrister, can be seen at http://www.funkidslive.com/learn/town-planning/what-is-it-like-to-be-a-town-planner-and-planning-barrister-find-out-with-these-videos/

In the video 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 late last year with the aim of introducing eight to 13-year-olds to town planning and explain the importance it plays in their daily lives.  This year it is running a World Town Planning Day School Competition with “Agent Plan-It” in November. The RTPI competition is open to both primary and secondary schools.

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.  She is also on the Women of Influence 2018 list in the RTPI’s The Planner magazine.

She is also a former Chairperson of the South Coast Young Planners Network and is regularly invited to speak at seminars and to judge awards.