Senior Associate / Legal Director – Planning – Exeter (5+ PQE)

Overview

In this role you will lead and support a varied planning caseload across large-scale development and energy projects, working closely with partners to drive client outcomes. You will support acquisitions, disposals, and contentious planning matters, contributing to the growth of a national planning team. The role offers high responsibility from day one, exposure to high-value work and opportunities to shape planning strategy for developers, land promoters, and local authorities. You will operate in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment focused on impactful infrastructure and energy projects.

Pay / Benefits

• supportive, collaborative culture
• clear career progression and professional development
• exposure to high-value, complex work from day one
• sector events, conferences and networking opportunities
• competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• flexible working arrangements

Responsibilities

• Manage and support a varied caseload of planning matters including large-scale development and energy/infrastructure projects
• Handle planning obligations and Community Infrastructure Levy explanations and negotiations
• Oversee lawful development certificates and highways matters
• Support property teams on acquisitions and disposals
• Advise on contentious planning matters such as enforcement, compulsory purchase, judicial reviews, statutory challenges and appeals
• Collaborate with partners across multiple offices and run own matters
• Advise national and regional housebuilders, land promoters and local authorities throughout the development lifecycle

Key requirements

• At least 5 years’ PQE in planning law
• Strong technical skills in residential development and/or energy-related matters
• Excellent communication, organisation and drafting abilities
• Confidence under pressure with strong deadline management
• Meticulous attention to detail and thorough approach
• Proven ability to build strong client relationships
• Genuine interest in planning policy, sector developments and wider client implications
• Enthusiasm for energy and infrastructure and contributing to a clean energy future
• Motivation to grow network and support business development initiatives

• clear communication
• organization
• drafting ability
• planning law
• residential development
• energy-related matters

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