Legal Director – Planning
The role is based in Birmingham, with a hybrid working arrangement of 2 days in office and 3 days remote.
Salary: Up to £107,000 + bonus (triggered from 1,300 chargeable hours)
Target chargeable hours: 1,500 per year
Practice: Real Estate – Planning, Regeneration, and Infrastructure
Why this role?
* Work directly with a Tier 1-ranked Partner (Legal 500) who has over 20 years of experience delivering top‑tier strategic advice.
* Advise major UK and international developers, funds, investors, and public bodies on transformative, high‑value projects.
* Handle the full lifecycle of major schemes – from site acquisition and promotion through to consent, delivery and land compensation.
* Gain exposure to transport, energy, logistics, town‑centre regeneration, retail, health and education projects.
* Join a tight‑knit, technically elite team trusted to deliver on the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure developments.
* Enjoy real autonomy, hybrid flexibility and reward structures that recognise high performance.
What you’ll do
* Lead and advise on DCOs, CPOs, Section 106 agreements and complex planning instructions.
* Draft and negotiate planning‑related legal agreements for developers, lenders, investors and public sector clients.
* Coordinate multidisciplinary advisory teams on large‑scale land assembly and infrastructure projects.
* Advise on compulsory purchase compensation, judicial reviews and planning appeals.
* Support real estate colleagues with planning due diligence on acquisitions, disposals and financings.
* Mentor and develop junior lawyers, shaping the next generation of planning talent.
* Drive business development and strengthen long‑term client relationships.
What you’ll bring
* Qualified Solicitor (6+ PQE) with significant experience in planning, development and/or infrastructure law.
* Expertise in Section 106, CPO and DCO work.
* Confidence handling complex statutory processes and high‑value, multi‑stakeholder projects.
* Strategic mindset and strong client relationship skills.
* Clear, commercially focused communication.
* Natural leader who inspires, mentors and delivers excellence.
Rewards
* Salary: Up to £107,000 + bonus (triggered from 1,300 hours)
* Hybrid working: 2 days in the Birmingham office
* World‑class benefits: private medical, life assurance, income protection, pension and more
* Career trajectory: direct line into partnership potential
* Prestige projects: work that defines skylines, infrastructure and communities
Ellie Marshall – Oculus
Seniority level
* Director
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Legal
* Industries: Legal Services and Law Practice
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