Job Description:

Senior Associate / Legal Director - Planning

Location: Birmingham

I'm working with a highly regarded national law firm that is looking to appoint a Senior Associate or Legal Director into its expanding Planning team.

This is a standout opportunity to join a top-tier, nationally recognised practice working on some of the most significant and complex planning matters in the UK. The team has grown substantially in recent years in response to increasing demand and continues to build on its strong reputation, with consistent rankings in both Chambers and Legal 500.

This is a senior position within a high-performing team where you will:

• Lead on complex planning, development and infrastructure matters
• Draft, negotiate and oversee Section 106 agreements and associated obligations
• Advise developers, landowners, housebuilders, local authorities and national organisations on high-value and sensitive planning matters
• Manage contentious planning work including enforcement matters, appeals and judicial review proceedings
• Advise on compulsory purchase and major development strategy
• Work closely with multidisciplinary colleagues across planning, heritage and architecture to deliver integrated advice
• Supervise, mentor and support junior team members as the practice continues to grow
• Play an active role in business development and client relationship management

You will be involved in a broad range of high-profile matters, including:

• Major residential and mixed-use developments
• Strategic development sites
• Infrastructure projects and Development Consent Orders (DCOs)
• Compulsory purchase and compensation matters
• Planning appeals, inquiries, enforcement and judicial review

We are looking for someone with:

• Significant experience in planning law at Senior Associate or Legal Director level
• Strong experience advising on major residential, mixed-use or infrastructure projects
• A proven track record in drafting and negotiating complex Section 106 agreements
• Experience across contentious planning matters including appeals, inquiries, enforcement and judicial review
• Excellent technical ability and drafting skills
• A commercial, solutions-focused approach
• Confidence managing client relationships and advising on complex matters
• A collaborative approach and interest in contributing to the growth of a leading planning practice

This is a chance to join a nationally recognised Planning team at a senior level, with genuine influence over the work, clients and direction of the practice. The team offers high-quality work, strong internal support and a clear platform for progression within a growing national offering.

If you would like to find out more, or know someone who could be a strong fit, please feel free to get in touch for a confidential discussion.

At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.

By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Gleeson Recruitment Limited. Our Privacy Policy is available on our website and explains how we will use your data.