Planning Lawyer - Head of Department

Planning Lawyer - Head of Department | International Law Firm | City of London

A leading London law firm is seeking an experienced Planning Lawyer to take on a strategic Head of Planning role within its highly regarded Real Estate team.

This is a rare opportunity for a senior planning specialist to shape and lead the planning capability of a market-recognised practice while working closely with high-profile real estate investors, developers and institutions.

This role offers the chance to play a central part in the continued growth of a dynamic Planning practice in London, advising on complex matters across major development and investment projects.

The firm acts for an impressive client base including international investors, asset managers, developers and major institutions involved in high-value UK and cross-border transactions. The team is well known for operating at the forefront of the market, advising on the full life cycle of real estate projects across a wide range of asset classes.

As Head of Planning, you will take a leading role in delivering planning advice across development and investment work, while collaborating closely with colleagues across real estate, construction, disputes, corporate, finance and funds teams.

This position offers genuine scope to shape the direction of the planning offering, working with senior stakeholders and clients on some of the most interesting real estate mandates in the market.

Recognised for delivering commercially focused advice to a sophisticated client base, including private equity real estate funds, institutional investors, developers and corporate occupiers. The team advises on matters across multiple sectors including:

• Build-to-rent and student accommodation
• Logistics and infrastructure
• Offices and retail
• Operational real estate (including healthcare and senior living)
• Hotels and mixed-use developments

Working as part of a collaborative and well-resourced team, the successful candidate will be supported by an associate and trainee while also engaging with colleagues across the wider firm on complex multi-disciplinary projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advising on planning aspects of major real estate development and investment transactions
• Leading on planning strategy and complex planning matters for a sophisticated client base

The firm is keen to hear from senior planning lawyers with at least 7 years’ PQE who are looking to take on a visible leadership role within a thriving real estate practice.

You will ideally have:

• Qualification as a Solicitor in England & Wales
• Experience advising on planning matters relating to real estate development and investment projects
• Strong drafting skills and sound commercial judgement
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• The ability to work autonomously while contributing to a collaborative team culture

This role offers a compelling opportunity for an ambitious planning lawyer to step into a senior leadership position within a highly respected London planning team.

Key attractions include:

• A strategic leadership role heading the planning offering
• Exposure to high-value and complex real estate projects
• A collaborative environment with strong cross-practice integration
• The opportunity to shape and grow a planning practice within a leading City firm
• A supportive and inclusive culture focused on long-term career development

If you are an experienced Planning Solicitor in London considering your next career move, please get in touch for a confidential discussion to learn more about this opportunity.