Associate/Senior Associate - Planning

Job Title : Associate/Senior Associate – Planning Ready to take your career to the next level? We’re one of the UK’s most forward-thinking law firms, built on a foundation of innovation, collaboration, and ambition. Join us, and let’s shape the future together. Being refreshingly human starts with how we hire. We believe a diverse mix of perspectives makes us stronger – not just as a business, but in creating a culture where we all feel we truly belong and can thrive. That’s why we’re committed to removing barriers and creating fair opportunities for everyone. ________________________________________ The role in 60 seconds Role : Associate/Senior Associate Team : Planning & Environmental Location : Southampton, Bristol, Exeter Working Pattern : Full-time or other part-time working patterns can be discussed Why this role matters : This is an exciting opportunity to join our nationally recognised Planning & Environmental team, ranked in Chambers and Legal 500, at a time of continued growth. You'll work on a diverse range of high-profile planning matters, with a particular focus on major infrastructure projects and development schemes. Our work spans Development Consent Orders and other infrastructure consenting regimes, alongside complex Town and Country Planning Act matters for developers, infrastructure providers, landowners, and investors. ________________________________________ What you’ll do You'll advise clients on a broad range of planning matters, working closely with colleagues across the firm to deliver practical, commercially focused advice. You'll: Advise on Development Consent Orders for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and other infrastructure consenting regimes, including supporting project strategy, examination processes, and consent implementation. Advise clients on a wide range of Town and Country Planning Act matters, including planning applications, planning appeals, planning strategy and development delivery. Negotiate planning and infrastructure agreements, including section 106 agreements, highways agreements and related documentation. Provide planning support on corporate, real estate, energy, and infrastructure transactions, including planning due diligence and risk management advice. Collaborate with colleagues across the wider Transactional Property Group and the firm to deliver seamless, high-quality client service. Build and maintain strong client relationships, becoming a trusted adviser and identifying opportunities to further support clients' needs. Play an active role in business development, networking, and profile-raising activities to support the continued growth of the practice. Share knowledge and support the development of junior lawyers and trainees, contributing to a collaborative and high-performing team culture. ________________________________________ What we’re looking for We're looking for a collaborative, commercially minded and ambitious planning lawyer who is keen to contribute to the continued growth of our Planning & Environmental team. The successful candidate will bring: Approximately 3–6 years' PQE, although we welcome applications from candidates outside this range where they can demonstrate the relevant skills and experience. Experience advising on Development Consent Orders (DCOs), Infrastructure Consent Orders (ICOs) and/or other major infrastructure consenting regimes. Strong experience of Town and Country Planning Act matters, including planning applications, planning agreements and development delivery work. Experience in the energy, transport, utilities, regeneration or wider infrastructure sectors would be particularly attractive. Experience of environmental law would be beneficial but is not essential. A commercial and pragmatic approach, with a focus on delivering practical solutions and exceptional client service. Strong drafting, analytical and technical legal skills. Experience building and maintaining strong client relationships, with the credib…