Director - Planning

DWF; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global legal business is seeking a Legal Director to join their growing Real Estate Planning team. This role involves leading and supporting project teams, drafting planning-related legal agreements, and advising clients on regulations. Candidates should be qualified solicitors with significant experience in projects and infrastructure. The position offers a hybrid working arrangement from various UK offices, promoting a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Significant projects, regeneration, development, or infrastructure experience required.
• Ability to advise on compulsory purchase compensation and legal challenges.
• Experience in drafting various planning agreements and legal documents.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams in promoting DCOs, CPOs, and planning appeals.
• Draft and review planning related legal agreements.
• Conduct legal research on planning law and related matters.

Skills

Projects experience

Legal drafting

Legal research

Client advisory

Planning due diligence

Communication skills

Education

Qualified solicitor

Job description

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Why join us?

We are recruiting for a Legal Director to join our growing Real Estate Planning team at DWF, an award-winning global legal business.

This role will work on a variety of projects, including major development, nationally significant infrastructure and compulsory purchase led regeneration matters. This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth and development within a supportive environment.

We offer flexibility on location, allowing for the position to be based out of any one of our offices in Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Leeds or Newcastle and offer a hybrid working arrangement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and/or support wider project teams in the promotion of DCOs, CPOs and managing Planning Appeals;
• Draft and review planning related legal agreements for developers, lenders and public sector clients;
• Conduct legal research and analysis on planning law and related matters;
• Supporting real estate colleagues in supervising or undertaking planning due diligence;
• Provide advice to clients on planning regulations, policies, and procedures;
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of planning law and policy changes;
• Prioritise work effectively to maximise efficiency in working practices and maintain good service delivery, adhering to all necessary timetables/ deadlines.
• Support, supervise and mentor more junior members in the team.
• Build working relationships internally and externally in order to maintain key client relationships and develop business networks.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential

• Qualified solicitor with significant projects, regeneration, development and/or infrastructure experience.
• Experience in drafting and reviewing various planning agreements and legal documents.
• Ability to advise on compulsory purchase compensation, judicial reviews and legal challenges.
• Confident promoting Development Consent Orders (DCOs) and Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs).
• Adept at conducting planning due diligence for acquisitions and financing and handling planning enforcement actions.
• Experienced in advising on statutory undertaker permitted development rights for utilities and telecommunications.
• Excellent legal analysis, drafting, and communication skills.
• Willingness to be participate and develop business development opportunities and client relationships.

What we offer?

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.

We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn't align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. Our approach delivers efficiency, price certainty and transparency for our clients across the world without compromising on quality or service. Our purpose is to deliver positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities and we foster a culture that places our colleagues at the centre of all that we do.