Legal Director, Planning (8+ PQE) – Cheltenham

Overview

In this Legal Director role, you will lead the planning practice within a top UK firm’s Real Estate group in Cheltenham. You will handle complex planning matters, both contentious and non-contentious, and set strategic directions for development projects. You’ll mentor junior lawyers, drive cross-department collaboration, and support business development to grow the planning footprint. The position offers flexible/hybrid working and a meaningful chance to shape high-stakes planning outcomes at scale.

Pay / Benefits

• Income protection
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave
• Bonus scheme

Responsibilities

• Advise on the full spectrum of planning law (contentious and non-contentious)
• Negotiate planning and highways works agreements
• Provide strategic advice on natural capital and development risks
• Defend enforcement actions and legal challenges
• Support and mentor junior team members
• Drive business development and cross-selling opportunities
• Collaborate with the wider Real Estate and Environment teams

Key requirements

• 8+ years PQE in planning law
• Strong technical expertise and strategic thinking
• Proven ability to manage complex client matters and negotiations
• Excellent communication and client care skills
• Experience in mentoring and team development
• Commercial awareness and a collaborative mindset

• strong communication
• mentoring and coaching
• collaboration across teams
• planning law
• highways works agreements
• enforcement actions

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