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

Overview

In this role you will join a Legal 500-ranked Planning & Infrastructure team at a leading UK law firm to handle significant development, energy, and infrastructure projects in the South West. You will manage your own caseload from day one, working with partners on high-value matters and supporting a broad client base. The role combines technical planning expertise with delivery across contentious and non-contentious matters, including planning agreements, CIL, and compulsory purchases. You will also contribute to business development and nurture client relationships in a collaborative, growth-focused environment.

Pay / Benefits

• professional development opportunities
• networking and business development opportunities
• collaborative and supportive culture
• career growth and progression
• wellbeing and work-life balance
• exellent Exeter office location with parking

Responsibilities

• Manage own caseload on strategic residential, energy, and infrastructure planning matters
• Advise on planning agreements, CIL, highways, and compulsory purchase issues
• Assist with enforcement, judicial reviews, and appeals
• Support property acquisitions and disposals with planning considerations
• Develop and maintain client relationships and stakeholder engagement
• Collaborate with partners on high-value, complex projects
• Contribute to business development and networking activities

Key requirements

• Qualified Solicitor with at least 5 years’ PQE in planning law
• Strong technical knowledge across a broad range of planning matters
• Experience in national, regional, or city law firm environment
• Exposure to residential development and/or energy sector matters (preferred)
• Excellent client relationship and stakeholder management skills
• Commercially minded with strong drafting and organisational abilities
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and work autonomously
• Ambitious with an interest in business development

• client relationship management
• stakeholder management
• commercial awareness
• planning law expertise
• drafting planning agreements
• CIL matters

…