Senior Associate / Legal Director - Legal Planning

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 20 April 2026
LOCATION
Midlands
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
CATEGORY
Legal
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Planning Law Section 106 agreements Compulsory Purchase Judicial Review Client Management Drafting Skills Business Development

FULL DESCRIPTION

We are seeking an experienced Senior Associate or Legal Director to join our nationally recognised Legal Planning Team. This is a key opportunity to take a senior role within a growing, high‑performing national practice working on some of the most significant and complex planning matters in the sector.

What you will be doing:

  • Lead on complex planning, development and infrastructure matters.
  • Draft, negotiate and oversee Section 106 agreements and associated obligations for major development schemes.
  • Advise developers, landowners, housebuilders, local authorities and national organisations on sensitive and high‑value planning matters.
  • Manage contentious work, including enforcement matters, appeals and judicial review proceedings.
  • Work closely with our wider multidisciplinary consultancy - including planning, heritage and architecture specialists - to deliver a seamless and integrated service.
  • Supervise, mentor and support junior colleagues as the team continues to expand.
  • Play an active role in business development, strengthening existing relationships and helping to develop new opportunities.

What you will need:

  • Extensive experience in planning law, gained in a reputable public, private or mixed‑practice environment.
  • Experience leading or advising on planning strategy for major residential, mixed-use or infrastructure developments.
  • A strong track record of drafting and negotiating complex Section 106 agreements, advising on compulsory purchase matters and guiding clients through major planning processes.
  • Excellent technical and drafting skills, with a commercial, solutions‑focused approach.
  • Experience handling contentious matters such as appeals, inquiries, enforcement issues or judicial review.
  • A proactive, collaborative approach to client management, team development and practice growth.
  • A desire to contribute to the continued evolution of a highly regarded and expanding planning team.
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