Legal Director, Planning (8+ PQE) – Cheltenham

Overview

As Legal Director – Planning, you will lead a senior planning practice within a premier Real Estate team in Cheltenham. You will handle both contentious and non-contentious planning matters, advise on highways, and shape strategy on development risks and natural capital. You’ll mentor junior lawyers, drive business development, and collaborate across Real Estate and Environment teams. This is a strategic leadership role with impact on the firms growth and on complex planning projects at scale.

Pay / Benefits

• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Pension Scheme
• 28 days annual leave
• Bonus scheme
• Car Loans

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
• Mentor and develop junior team members
• Drive business development and cross-selling opportunities
• Collaborate across 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
• commercial awareness
• planning law
• negotiation of planning/highways agreements
• strategic advisory on development risks

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