Legal Director, Planning (8+ PQE) - Cheltenham

Chadwick Nott; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm in Cheltenham is seeking a Senior Planning Lawyer with over 8 years PQE to join their respected Real Estate team. This role offers the chance to manage complex planning law matters and lead a team. The firm supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements. Competitive salary of £95,000 to £120,000, with benefits including income protection, private medical insurance, and more.

Benefits

Income Protection

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Pension Scheme

28 days annual leave

Bonus scheme

Electric vehicle scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Gym membership contribution

Flu vaccinations

Sight tests / Glasses discounts

Car Loans

Perks at Work benefits portal

Qualifications

• 8+ years PQE in planning law.
• Strong technical expertise and strategic thinking.
• Proven ability to manage complex client matters.

Responsibilities

• Advising on planning law, both contentious and non-contentious.
• Negotiating planning and highways works agreements.
• Providing strategic advice on natural capital.

Skills

Technical expertise in planning law

Strategic thinking

Client management

Excellent communication

Mentoring

Job description

Legal Director - Planning (8+ PQE) - Cheltenham

Location: Cheltenham (Flexible & Hybrid)

Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time

Salary: £95,000 to £120,000

Chadwick Nott are pleased to be working with a top-tier UK law firm in their search for a senior Planning Lawyer (8+ PQE) to join their nationally recognised Real Estate team in Cheltenham. This is a strategic appointment within one of the largest and most respected planning departments in the country, offering the opportunity to lead on complex matters and contribute to the firm's continued growth.

The Role

This leadership role offers exposure to a wide range of planning and highways matters. Responsibilities include:

• Advising on the full spectrum of planning law, both contentious and non-contentious
• Negotiating planning and highways works agreements
• Providing strategic advice on natural capital and development risks
• Defending enforcement actions and legal challenges
• Supporting and mentoring junior team members
• Driving business development and cross-selling opportunities
• Collaborating across the wider Real Estate and Environment teams

Candidate Requirements

This role is suited to a senior planning lawyer with:

• 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

Working Arrangements

This role supports flexible and hybrid working, with a primary base in the Cheltenham office.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, the firm offers:

• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life Assurance
• Pension Scheme
• 28 days annual leave (plus public holidays)
• Bonus scheme
• Electric vehicle scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Gym membership contribution
• Flu vaccinations
• Sight tests / Glasses discounts
• Car Loans
• Perks at Work benefits portal

If you are interested in this opportunity or would like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:

[e-mail]

0117 917 1515 / 07711 799761

Olivia Reed | LinkedIn

Chadwick Nott is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion across the legal profession. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background. Where a level of experience is indicated, this is intended as a guideline only.

*At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.*