Planning Legal Director

Oculus Legal Group; England; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A top international law firm in Birmingham is looking for a Planning Legal Director to join their Planning and Infrastructure team. This hybrid role offers an excellent opportunity for career growth. Responsibilities include providing expert legal advice, drafting agreements, and project oversight. An ambitious solicitor with a strong background in planning law is preferred. The role also comes with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Digital GP access

Health Cash Plan

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Bonus scheme

Relocation support

Qualifications

• Ambitious commercial planning solicitor.
• Established track record in planning law.
• Experience in a legal director or senior associate position preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on projects and infrastructure matters.
• Draft and review planning agreements.
• Advise on compulsory purchase compensation and legal challenges.
• Conduct planning due diligence for acquisitions.

Skills

Expert advice on planning and infrastructure

Drafting and reviewing legal documentation

Advising on compulsory purchase compensation

Conducting planning due diligence

Job description

Planning Legal Director / Senior Associate (looking to step up)

Location: Birmingham (Hybrid – 2 days in office)

Salary: £90,000 – £110,000 + bonus

Industry: Legal – Top 30 International Law Firm

Full time or Part time

About the Role

A top Legal 30 international law firm is seeking a Planning Legal Director to join their Planning and Infrastructure team in Birmingham. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take the next step into senior leadership, or for an existing Legal Director seeking a fresh challenge within a prestigious international practice.

The team is well-established, with a fantastic culture and strong work-life balance. This hybrid role requires just two days a week in the office and offers a competitive salary, bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on projects, regeneration, development, and infrastructure matters
• Draft and review planning agreements and other legal documentation
• Advise on compulsory purchase compensation, judicial reviews, and legal challenges
• Promote Development Consent Orders (DCOs) and Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs)
• Conduct planning due diligence for acquisitions and financing
• Handle planning enforcement actions
• Chargeable hours: 1,500 per year

Key Benefits

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Digital GP access (24/7 healthcare support)
• App-based health and wellbeing tools
• Health Cash Plan
• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme (up to 7% employer contribution)
• Group Income Protection
• 25 days annual leave (plus public holidays), increasing with length of service
• Bonus scheme
• Relocation support (if required)

Why Join

This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a supportive, high-performing international law firm with a strong focus on career development, work-life balance, and long-term retention.

If you’re an ambitious commercial planning solicitor looking for your next move within a market-leading firm offering genuine progression and high-quality work, we’d love to hear from you.