We are looking for an Associate or Senior Associate with approximately 3–6 years’ PQE to join a Planning & Environmental team. The ideal candidate will be a qualified solicitor with experience advising on major infrastructure consenting regimes, alongside a strong understanding of planning matters under the Town and Country Planning Act. Applications are also welcomed from candidates with relevant experience outside this PQE range.
You will advise on high-profile infrastructure projects and development schemes, from early strategy through to implementation. The work will include planning applications, appeals and development delivery, as well as negotiating planning and highways agreements. You will also support transactions across corporate, real estate, energy and infrastructure, working closely with colleagues in related teams. This is an opportunity to take on high-quality work, build client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of a collaborative team.
The Firm
Our client is a nationally recognised UK law firm advising businesses and individuals across a broad range of sectors. Its Planning & Environmental team is recognised for its work and is continuing to grow, offering the opportunity to contribute to an established practice with a strong profile.
The firm’s collaborative approach brings lawyers across different practice areas together to deliver joined-up advice. In this role, you will work alongside colleagues in property and transactional teams and advise on matters involving major infrastructure and development. The position offers direct client contact, exposure to varied and complex work, and the chance to develop your career in a forward-thinking environment. You will also have opportunities to support the team’s profile and growth through business development and networking.
Responsibilities
- Advise on Development Consent Orders, Infrastructure Consent Orders and other major infrastructure consenting regimes, supporting projects from strategy through to implementation.
- Advise on Town and Country Planning Act matters, including planning applications, appeals, planning strategy and development delivery.
- Negotiate Section 106 agreements, highways agreements and other planning and infrastructure documentation.
- Provide planning advice on corporate, real estate, energy and infrastructure transactions, including due diligence and planning risk.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across property and transactional teams to provide seamless client service.
- Build and maintain client relationships, acting as a trusted adviser to a diverse client base.
- Support business development, networking and profile-raising activities that contribute to the team’s growth.
- Mentor and support junior lawyers and trainees.
Experience and Skills Sought
- Qualified solicitor with approximately 3–6 years’ PQE; applications from candidates outside this range with relevant experience are encouraged.
- Experience advising on DCOs, ICOs or other infrastructure consenting regimes, and strong knowledge of Town and Country Planning Act matters.
- Experience in energy, transport, utilities, regeneration or infrastructure would be advantageous; environmental law experience is beneficial but not essential.
- Commercially minded, with excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills, a collaborative approach and an interest in client relationships and business development.
Hours and Benefits
- 28 days holidays per annum
- Buy and sell holiday options
- Discounted shopping package
- Lifestyle benefits and flexible working initiatives
- Gym membership
- 5 year sabbatical benefit
- Market leading parental leave
- Private Medical
- Emergency backup childcare
- Social & sports clubs
- EV car and bike schemes
- 2x volunteer days per year
Find Out More or Apply
To find out more about this role, or to have an informal, confidential and non-committal chat, please reach out to Katie at Aspiria Legal. Alternatively, you may submit an application for consideration.