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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a top-tier Planning team, advising on innovative projects across infrastructure and real estate.
- Company: A prestigious Top 50 law firm known for its award-winning planning expertise and supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a market-leading salary, bonuses, well-being perks, and enhanced leave options.
- Why this job: Shape the UK's future with impactful projects while developing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Must have 8+ PQE in Planning and experience with relevant legislation and complex workloads.
- Other info: Strong partnership prospects and continuous professional development opportunities await.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you an ambitious Planning lawyer seeking the finest work at an outstanding Top 50 firm who have won awards such as "Best Project of the Year" for their planning expertise? This award-winning business offers excellent pay, exposure to exciting clients and the highest quality of work. Their renowned Planning team seek a Legal Director (8+ PQE) to join their engaging Edinburgh office.
The Firm
A standout firm in the UK legal market, this Top 50, multi-award-winning firm balances top-tier work and prestigious clients with an excellent working culture and work-life balance. Rapid expansion across the UK is driven by a results-focused approach and a commitment to hiring and nurturing top legal talent. Unlike many firms at this level, its culture remains approachable and supportive, with partners actively mentoring junior lawyers. Many of its lawyers have earned individual recognition, including from the Hot 100 and Legal 500 Hall of Fame. The firm attracts rising stars and offers outstanding professional development, leading to long-term staff retention. Clients range from high-net-worth individuals to major multinationals, offering exposure to top-quality work across jurisdictions. With some of the UK’s most highly regarded legal minds, the firm provides an industry-leading service. For ambitious professionals, this is a rare opportunity to gain deep expertise and advance to the top of your field.
The Role
Working with this Legal 500 Tier ranked Planning team, you will gain exposure to exciting and innovative work with a diverse range of clients, supporting large-scale projects which are at the forefront of development in the UK. As a key member of the team, you will advise on market-leading projects across infrastructure, energy and real estate. This varied role can provide you exposure to renewable technologies (wind, hydro, nuclear, hydrogen), large-scale transportation projects, urban regeneration schemes, sporting developments, garden settlements, over-station developments, estate regeneration and more. The work you will be involved in will reshape the face of the UK for generations to come and is vital to transforming and modernising the landscape for sustainable and productive use. With renowned colleagues, you will have the opportunity to develop your technical and client relation skills while helping to cement the company’s reputation as a leader in the Planning sector. By taking a lead on projects, developing new business and receiving continuous and ongoing professional development support you will be in an enviable position to develop market-leading expertise and take a significant and exciting step forward in your career. The role comes with strong short to mid-term Partnership prospects.
The Ideal Candidate
- Is an ambitious solicitor with 8+ PQE in Planning
- Experience in relevant planning legislation (e.g. Town & County Planning Act)
- Previous work with compulsory acquisitions, compensation matters, EIA/HRA and judicial review is ideal
- Ability to manage complex and varied workloads efficiently to the highest standard
- Excellent verbal/written communicator with first-rate interpersonal skills
- Has a proactive, innovative and value-adding mindset
What’s on offer
- Working for a Top 50 and multi-award-winning firm of significant prestige
- An opportunity to develop a revered reputation in the Planning practice area
- Exposure to top-tier clients and high-quality/high-value work
- Market leading salary
- Excellent benefits package including bonus, well-being considerations, financial protection measures and enhanced leave
Planning Legal Director employer: JMC Legal Recruitment
Contact Detail:
JMC Legal Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Legal Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the planning law sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meet-ups to connect with current employees at top firms like ours. Building relationships can often lead to insider information about job openings and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on recent developments in planning legislation and case law. Demonstrating your knowledge during interviews can set you apart from other candidates and show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to our recruitment team directly. Expressing your interest and asking insightful questions about the role can help you make a memorable impression before the formal application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interviews by practising common legal scenarios related to planning law. Being able to discuss your approach to complex cases will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the challenges of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Legal Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your 8+ years of PQE in Planning law. Emphasise relevant experience with planning legislation, compulsory acquisitions, and judicial reviews to align with the firm's requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your ambition and innovative mindset. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage complex workloads and your proactive approach to legal challenges.
Highlight Professional Development: In your application, mention any ongoing professional development or training you have undertaken. This shows your commitment to growth and aligns with the firm's focus on nurturing top legal talent.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application where you've successfully communicated complex legal concepts to clients or colleagues.
How to prepare for a job interview at JMC Legal Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Make sure to highlight your 8+ years of experience in Planning law. Discuss specific cases or projects you've worked on, especially those involving compulsory acquisitions or EIA/HRA, to demonstrate your depth of knowledge and expertise.
✨Understand the Firm's Culture
Research the firm's approach to work-life balance and mentorship. Be prepared to discuss how you align with their supportive culture and how you can contribute to maintaining it while driving results.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to relevant planning legislation, such as the Town & Country Planning Act. Brush up on key concepts and be ready to explain how you've applied them in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactive Mindset
The firm values a proactive and innovative approach. Prepare examples of how you've added value in past roles, whether through developing new business or leading projects, to showcase your forward-thinking attitude.
