Partner 10 years’ PQE + in Exeter

Stephens Scown is on a bold growth journey – and our thriving Somerset office is at the heart of it. Following an incredible first couple of years in Taunton, where we’ve built strong client relationships, partnered with local businesses, and made a real difference in our community, we’re preparing to move into our brand-new, permanent home. This next chapter brings fresh opportunity – and we’re looking for driven, talented professionals to be a key part of it.

We’re not just expanding – we’re building something special. If you’re a Planning Partner or a Senior Associate ready to step up, this is your chance to make your mark in a growing office with the full backing of a highly respected regional firm.

Why join Stephens Scown?

At Stephens Scown, we believe in doing law differently. We’re employee-owned, a proud B Corp™, and featured in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025. We’ve won awards for Employer of the Year, for our Corporate and Social Responsibility efforts, and been highly commended for our proactive approach to client care and employee wellbeing. Our people‑first ethos is real – not just a slogan – and it shapes everything we do.

You’ll work alongside high‑caliber teams in Real Estate, Dispute Resolution, Corporate, IP and Data Protection, collaborating on complex, meaningful projects for clients who value our fresh approach and regional expertise. You’ll also play a central role in developing our Planning presence in Somerset, with the autonomy to lead, innovate, and grow.

About you

• You will be a Planning Partner with 10 years’ PQE +
• You will have expertise in one or more of the following areas: obtaining planning permission, planning appeals, CIL, s106 and other agreements, judicial review, highways and public rights of way and environmental law.
• An ambitious individual who is ready for their next challenge.
• You will be able to demonstrate that you have strong analytical and communication skills and that you can work strategically with clients and as part of a team.
• You will be looking to make your mark and build a successful career as well as supporting the development of others in the team.
• You will have the ability to enhance our clients’ experience through the delivery of exceptional client service.

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive salary and an impressive array of benefits and rewards. Not least of these is through the Firm’s employee‑ownership status, where every employee is listened to, helps to realise our vision and receives an equal share in our annual profit‑share.

Our hybrid working model and approach to flexible working enables our people to share their working time between home and the office to support a healthy work / life balance. Be part of something bigger. This is more than just a job – it’s a career move with real impact. Help us shape the future for our Somerset office and contribute to our bold vision for the South West.

Employee benefits – including 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and your birthday), private medical insurance, group life assurance, access to a comprehensive range of wellbeing support, and three additional days’ paid leave to support good causes.

Why Stephens Scown?

Working here is something else entirely. It’s a place where we can step up to tough challenges with people so good they inspire us to be better. We proudly work in a beautiful part of the country, go beyond expectations and achieve things that matter.

Owning It Matters…

We’re the UK’s first major employee‑owned law firm. But more than this, we’re people‑centred, people‑powered. We do what it takes to help each other overcome every challenge. Whatever’s happening in the world, empowering our people is what matters.

Our communities and colleagues give us a lot to be thankful for. So we try to make them feel as valued as our clients. Whether we’re digging deep and giving our time and money, picking up rubbish from our streets and beaches, at Stephens Scown, if it’s right, it matters.

We might have the expertise of a top city firm, but outside our offices there’s not a skyscraper in sight. Whether we’re getting to know our clients on our local beach or having fun in the park with colleagues, we’re all about living a life enriched by work. Making the fun matter.

Apply for this position

If this sounds like you and you would like to be considered for this opportunity, please send your application by email enclosing an up-to-date CV to Careers@stephens-scown.co.uk or by post to: HR Department, Stephens Scown LLP, Curzon House, Southernhay West, Exeter, EX1 1RS.

At Stephens Scown, we believe that a diverse workforce delivers better results for our clients and creates a happier workplace where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Therefore we welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds, abilities and beliefs.

All offers of employment at Stephens Scown are subject to Basic level of Disclosure and Barring Service check. Any information gathered in relation to the DBS process is held in accordance with all relevant data protection regulations. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of your offences. At interview, or in a separate discussion, we ensure that an open and measured discussion takes place on the subject of any offences or other matter that might be relevant to the position. Failure to reveal information that is directly relevant to the position sought could lead to withdrawal of an offer of employment. We make every subject of a DBS Disclosure aware of the existence of the DBS Code of Practice. This is available on https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-code-of-practice.