Senior Associate / Partner – Planning (Private Client Services)

Senior Associate / Partner – Planning (Private Client Services)
Location: Reading
Salary: To be discussed at enquiry

Synergy Personnel Services, a specialist legal recruiter, is instructed on behalf of a leading UK professional services firm to recruit a senior Planning lawyer or Partner into its expanding Private Client team in the Thames Valley.

This is a strategic appointment within a high-growth office, offering the opportunity to play a central role in developing a multidisciplinary Planning offering working closely with private clients, landowners and developers.

The Opportunity

You will join a well-established Private Client division advising individuals, landowners and investors on a wide range of planning matters. The team combines legal expertise with chartered town planning capability, enabling a fully integrated approach to complex planning issues.

The role will focus on advising private clients and landowners on unlocking value from land and property, navigating the planning system and delivering commercially focused outcomes.

This position offers genuine scope to shape and grow a regional Planning practice within a firm that is continuing to invest heavily in its Reading office and wider Thames Valley presence.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising on a broad range of planning matters, including:
  • Planning applications and appeals
  • Strategic land promotion and development schemes
  • Section 106 agreements and associated obligations
  • Listed buildings and conservation areas
  • Enforcement and regulatory issues
  • Planning policy and local plan representations
• Acting for private individuals, landed estates, developers and investors
• Working collaboratively with lawyers and chartered town planners to deliver holistic advice
• Supporting and driving business development initiatives across the region
• Leading and mentoring junior team members

The Candidate

• Senior Associate or Partner with strong experience in planning law
• Proven expertise advising private clients, landowners and/or developers
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system and regulatory framework
• Commercial mindset with a track record (or clear potential) in client development
• Well-connected within the Thames Valley / South East market (desirable)

The Firm

Our client is a large, UK-wide professional services business with a modern structure and a strong national footprint, advising a diverse client base including high-net-worth individuals and businesses across multiple sectors.

The Private Client team is a core area of focus, delivering sensitive, tailored advice across a wide range of personal and property-related matters, including specialist planning services.

Why Apply?

• Key senior hire within a growing and ambitious regional office
• Access to a strong national platform and multidisciplinary support
• High-quality, varied planning work with private clients and landowners
• Clear route to Partnership and leadership responsibilities

For a confidential discussion and further details, please contact Synergy Personnel Services – Specialist Legal Recruiter.