Brown Jacobson strengthens planning team with partner hire

Browne Jacobson has strengthened its planning expertise with the appointment of Will Thomas as Partner.

Thomas joins the Nottingham-based law firm’s planning and environment law team from Shoosmiths, where he was principal associate.

Specialising in planning and compulsory purchase law, he works with both public and private sector clients, including land promoters, developers, investors, landowners, local planning authorities, and government bodies.

He said: “With the government pushing for faster housing and infrastructure development while encouraging collaboration between public and private sectors, Browne Jacobson is perfectly positioned to advise clients across the planning landscape. Local authorities, developers, and landowners face numerous challenges, and I take pride in guiding clients through the complexities of the planning system with clear and commercially sound advice.”

Having previously trained and spent seven years at Browne Jacobson, Thomas returns with over 10 years of experience in planning law.

He has worked on a wide range of planning matters, including complex Section 106 agreements, planning appeals, land use advice, biodiversity net gain requirements, High Court challenges, development consent orders, and compulsory purchase orders.

Laura Hughes, partner and head of public, planning, and environment law at Browne Jacobson said: “Planning law is a top priority for our clients as they navigate the government’s ambitious planning reforms, so we’re thrilled to welcome someone of Will’s calibre. He excels in managing complex Section 106 agreements at the strategic land stage and overseeing land assembly and compulsory purchase in brownfield regeneration schemes. Our clients will benefit from his expertise and calm, intelligent approach to challenging legal areas.”