Planning Legal Director

Join to apply for the Planning Legal Director role at Gateley Legal Making legal recruitment a fun and personable experience. About The Role Gateley has a rare opportunity for a Legal Director to join its northern region in either the Manchester or Leeds office. This is a hands-on role with growth potential, helping develop the scope of work for a range of projects in town and country planning, highways, compulsory purchase, planning litigation, enforcement, DCO, and infrastructure matters (including compensation). For example: We act for eighteen of the UK's biggest housebuilders (including Taylor Wimpey, Lovell, Vistry, and Barratt) on strategic schemes in London and the Southeast, ranging from 30 to 3,000 units, including garden villages. We are building our DCO practice, advising on the Lower Thames Crossing DCO, handling consultations, legal advice, negotiations, and Land & Works Agreements. We advise developers on planning applications, legal challenges, and enforcement matters. At Gateley, you'll have access to extensive training in planning and environmental law and opportunities to train others through seminars for clients and contacts. You will work closely with our National Head of Planning, Karen Howard, Matthew Scudamore, and Robert Waite to develop your career to Partner level. You’ll also be involved in business development and networking in the Northwest and Yorkshire. Our Team The Planning Unit comprises 11 specialists based in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Guildford, and Nottingham, handling planning obligations, appeals, and related advisory work, including compulsory purchase, heritage law, environmental assessment, and more. The Person This role is suitable for a solicitor with at least 8 years' PQE, with a focus on town and country planning, highways, compulsory purchase, and ideally DCO infrastructure projects (training available). We seek candidates with: Drive, commitment, and a proactive attitude Discretion and professionalism Leadership and team management skills Commercial acumen A positive attitude About Us Gateley offers competitive pay, bonuses, extensive training, flexible benefits, and a supportive culture rooted in shared values such as ambition, forward thinking, trust, and teamwork. We promote diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, and are proud to be recognized by The Law Society and Stonewall for our efforts. Additional Information Successful candidates will undergo pre-employment screening, including work eligibility, qualifications, criminal records, financial stability, and references. Other Details Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full-time Job function: Legal Industries: Professional Services #J-18808-Ljbffr