Associate/Senior Associate – Planning

  • Permanent
  • Bristol

The Role

We are looking for an Associate/Senior Associate with around 3–6 years’ PQE to join a nationally recognised Planning & Environmental team. The ideal candidate will be a commercially minded planning lawyer who enjoys high-quality, varied work and wants to play a part in the growth of a busy practice.

This role offers the chance to work on major infrastructure and development matters, advising a broad client base including developers, infrastructure providers, landowners and investors. You will handle Development Consent Orders and other infrastructure consenting regimes, alongside a wide range of Town and Country Planning Act work. You will also work closely with colleagues across the firm, providing practical, solutions-focused advice and helping clients progress complex projects with confidence.

The Company

This is a leading UK law firm with a strong national presence, known for combining technical excellence with a genuinely commercial approach. The firm offers a collaborative, ambitious environment where people are encouraged to take early responsibility, build trusted client relationships and contribute meaningfully to the success of the wider practice.

It is a place for lawyers who want high-quality work, genuine career development and the opportunity to help shape a growing specialist team. The culture is inclusive and flexible, with a clear commitment to removing barriers and creating fair opportunities for everyone. If you want to join a firm where collaboration, progress and professional growth are genuinely valued, this is an attractive next step.

Responsibilities

  • Advise on Development Consent Orders for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and other infrastructure consenting regimes.

  • Support project strategy, examination processes and consent implementation.

  • Handle Town and Country Planning Act matters, including planning applications, appeals, strategy and development delivery.

  • Negotiate planning and infrastructure agreements, including section 106 and highways agreements.

  • Provide planning input on corporate, real estate, energy and infrastructure transactions, including due diligence and risk advice.

  • Work with colleagues across the wider transactional team to deliver seamless client service.

  • Build strong client relationships and act as a trusted adviser.

  • Support business development, networking and profile-raising activity.

  • Share knowledge and help develop junior lawyers and trainees.

Experience and Skills Sought

  • 3–6 years’ PQE in planning law [suggestion].

  • Strong experience with DCOs, ICOs and/or other major infrastructure consenting regimes.

  • Solid Town and Country Planning Act experience.

  • Commercial, pragmatic and client-focused approach.

  • Strong drafting, analytical and communication skills.

  • Collaborative, ambitious and keen to support junior colleagues.

Hours and Benefits

  • Full-time role, with part-time working patterns open to discussion.

  • Hybrid working arrangements.

  • Competitive salary.

  • Performance-linked bonus.

  • Employee sabbaticals.

  • Enhanced parental leave policies.

  • Private healthcare.

  • Wellbeing support, including mental health support and gym memberships.

  • Open and flexible working environment.

  • Accessibility support during the application process.

Find Out More

To find out more about this role, or to have an informal, confidential and non-committal chat, please reach out to James at Aspiria Legal.

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