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

Chadwick Nott; Exeter; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression

Flexible working

Networking opportunities

Competitive salary

Wellbeing & diversity

Professional development

Client-focused culture

Job summary

Chadwick Nott in Exeter seeks a Senior Associate or Legal Director in Planning (5+ PQE) to manage a varied caseload on major development and energy projects, advising national and regional clients.

You will work with partners across offices, lead on contentious matters, and contribute to business development while upholding a client-focused, professional culture.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years' PQE in planning law.
• Strong technical skills with residential development and/or energy matters.
• Excellent communication, organisation and drafting abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage deadlines.
• Proven ability to build strong client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of planning matters at senior level.
• Lead on large scale development and energy/infrastructure projects.
• Oversee planning obligations and highway matters; advise on CIL and planning conditions.
• Support acquisitions and disposals; collaborate with property teams.
• Handle contentious planning matters including enforcement, CPO, judicial reviews and appeals.

Skills

Planning law

Residential development

Energy & infrastructure

Education

Solicitor qualification

Job description

Senior Associate / Legal Director - Planning - Exeter (5+ PQE)
Location: Exeter
Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time
Salary: £75,000 - £95,000 (depending on experience)

A leading regional law firm is seeking an ambitious and confident Planning Senior Associate or Legal Director (5+ PQE) to join its highly regarded Planning & Infrastructure Consenting Team in Exeter. This is an excellent opportunity to work on major development and nationally significant energy and infrastructure projects while taking on high levels of responsibility from the outset.

The Role

You'll be responsible for managing and supporting a varied caseload of high quality planning matters, including:

• Large scale strategic development
• Nationally significant energy and infrastructure projects
• Planning obligations and Community Infrastructure Levy
• Lawful development certificates and highways matters
• Supporting property teams on acquisitions and disposals
• Contentious planning matters including enforcement, compulsory purchase, judicial reviews, statutory challenges and appeals

You will work closely with partners and colleagues across multiple offices, running your own matters while contributing to the continued growth of the team. You will also support clients across the development lifecycle, acting for national and regional housebuilders, land promoters and local authorities.

Candidate Requirements

This role is suited to a qualified solicitor with:

• At least 5 years' PQE in planning law
• Strong technical skills and experience in residential development and/or energy related matters
• Excellent communication, organisation and drafting abilities
• Confidence working under pressure and managing deadlines
• Meticulous attention to detail and a thorough approach
• Proven ability to build strong client relationships
• Genuine interest in planning policy, sector developments and the wider implications for clients
• Enthusiasm for energy, infrastructure and contributing to a clean energy future
• Motivation to grow your network and support business development initiatives

Benefits

The firm offers:

• A supportive, collaborative and people centred culture
• Clear career progression pathways and ongoing professional development
• Exposure to high value, complex work from day one
• Opportunities to attend sector events, conferences and networking activities
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Commitment to wellbeing, diversity and inclusion

*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.*