New Job Opening: Planning Law Legal Director or Partner in Manchester, UK

Job Description

Planning Law Legal Director or Partner

Salary: £95,000 - £120,000 + generous bonus

Location: Manchester City Centre

Experience: Senior Level, with client following 

A senior planning opportunity with a progressive UK law firm that has delivered consistent double-digit growth in recent years and is on track to do the same again this year.

The Opportunity

You will join an established, high-performing planning practice that is continuing to grow, with a strong existing client base and a clear strategy for further expansion in Leeds.

This role suits a Legal Director or Partner who enjoys leading complex planning work, building trusted client relationships, and shaping a team’s direction.

About the Role

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  Lead and advise on a broad range of planning matters, including strategic planning, development consent, and planning agreements

  
  


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  Support clients through the full lifecycle of development projects, working closely with colleagues across real estate, construction, corporate and disputes

  
  


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  Provide clear, commercial advice to a varied client base, including developers, landowners, investors and public sector bodies

  
  


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  Manage key client relationships and contribute to the growth of the Leeds planning offering

  
  


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  Supervise, mentor and develop junior lawyers as the team expands

  
  


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  Contribute to business development, profile-raising and thought leadership

  
  

What We’re Looking For

Essential

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  Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

  
  


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  Senior-level planning experience with strong technical capability

  
  


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  Proven ability to manage matters independently and lead client relationships

  
  


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  Candidates must have an established following

  
  


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  Strong commercial judgement and a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach

  
  


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  Collaborative working style and commitment to developing others

  
  

Desirable

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  Experience advising on large-scale development, regeneration and infrastructure projects

  
  


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  Experience working closely with real estate and construction teams on complex schemes

  
  


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  Track record of mentoring and team leadership at senior level

  
  

What’s On Offer

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  Salary £95,000 - £120,000 plus a generous bonus structure

  
  


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  A genuine opportunity to shape and grow a senior planning offering in Leeds

  
  


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  Established team with an existing client base and strong pipeline

  
  


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  Supportive, collaborative culture with high-quality work and clear progression

  
  


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  Modern working environment with flexibility considered

  
  

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established UK law firm with a strong reputation for advising businesses, public sector bodies and individuals. The firm has achieved double-digit growth in recent years and continues to invest in its people and practice areas, with a clear focus on sustainable, long-term expansion.

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester City Centre. Full-time, permanent role. Flexible working considered.

How to Apply

Apply online or send your CV to [email protected] or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.