Employer: Sacco Mann. Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Closing date: 28 Nov 2025. Reference: RJM967.

Job Summary

We are seeking a dedicated Planning Solicitor to join our client’s prestigious development and regeneration team in Leeds. The successful candidate will have a strong background in planning law and the ability to manage complex projects across residential, commercial and infrastructure sectors. Working directly with a local Partner, the role involves providing strategic planning advice, supporting clients through pre‑application processes, drafting and negotiating planning and highway agreements and handling contentious matters such as appeals and judicial reviews. You will also work closely with colleagues across the national team, deliver high‑quality legal support on high‑profile schemes, assist with business development initiatives and mentor junior staff. The role offers a balanced mix of regional and national work, with opportunities to undertake significant projects while enjoying a supportive, collaborative firm culture.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic planning advice and support clients through pre‑application processes.
• Draft and negotiate planning and highway agreements.
• Handle contentious matters including appeals and judicial reviews.
• Deliver high‑quality legal support on high‑profile schemes.
• Assist with business development initiatives.
• Mentor junior staff.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5‑6 years PQE in Planning law up to Legal Director, with experience in development and regeneration schemes and opportunity to undertake energy and infrastructure work.
• Solid understanding of strategic planning advice, environmental assessments and highway agreements.
• Experience in contentious and non‑contentious planning matters, including appeals and judicial reviews.
• Ability to manage client relationships and deliver clear, strategic advice.
• Proven track record of mentoring junior colleagues and an interest in contributing to the further development of this work.

Benefits & Development

Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working options, ongoing professional development and a supportive firm culture focused on diversity, inclusion and employee well‑being. The firm is committed to growth and innovation, actively investing in the Leeds market whilst offering you a strong international network. Potential for career progression towards senior leadership and Partner roles.

Contact

For a Senior Planning Solicitor, Rachael Mann is happy to have a confidential conversation with you. Call 0113 467 7111 or e‑mail rachael.mann@saccomann.com.

Company

Sacco Mann is a well‑established Legal and IP recruitment consultancy handling qualified and non‑qualified assignments into both Private Practice and Industry. With almost 20 years of experience recruiting for some of the biggest names in the sector, we advise on career moves and recruitment needs. We are different in that recruitment is about you: we offer advice, choice and educated market intelligence/opinion based on our presence and reputation.