At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a new Planning & Environmental practice and provide expert legal advice.
- Company: Innovative law firm with a strong reputation in corporate and commercial law.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance rewards, and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with access to challenging work across NI, ROI, and GB markets.
- Why this job: Shape a new practice area and engage in high-profile projects across multiple sectors.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 3-10 years’ experience in planning and environmental law.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
LEADERSHIP ROLE – PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT SOLICITOR We are working with one of Northern Ireland’s most innovative and progressive corporate and commercial law firms.
As expected, they offer a long standing reputation for delivering high-value and complex legal solutions across sectors such as energy, real estate, construction and corporate finance.
They have a portfolio of clients including developers, financial institutions, public bodies, and international businesses.
Based on a sustained period of growth and commercial aspirations, the firm continues to invest in strategic growth areas and is now looking to build a market-leading Planning & Environmental function.
This is a senior-level appointment with significant opportunity to shape direction, build a team, and engage in some of the most complex and high-profile projects across the region.
Focus is on: Lead the development and delivery of a new Planning & Environmental practice within the firm.
Provide expert advice on planning law, environmental regulation, impact assessments, planning appeals, enforcement, and permitting issues.
Act as primary advisor to developers, energy companies, local authorities, and commercial clients.
Represent clients at public inquiries and planning hearings.
Collaborate with colleagues across real estate, construction, corporate, and energy teams.
Mentor and support junior lawyers as the team grows.
Essential Experience Qualified solicitor in NI and ideally ROI/E&W (welcomed bonus).
Minimum of 3–10 years’ PQE with a specialist background in planning and environmental law.
Significant experience advising on planning applications, environmental permitting, statutory compliance, EIA, and enforcement issues.
Strong track record of handling complex matters involving both public and private sector clients.
Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience managing teams or leading initiatives.
Excellent communication and client-handling skills.
Key Attributes Strategic thinker with a commercial mindset.
Confident leading client engagements and managing high-stakes legal matters.
Able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
Entrepreneurial spirit with a drive to build a new area of practice.
What We Offer A senior leadership opportunity in a dynamic and respected law firm.
Competitive salary and benefits, including performance-based rewards.
Real opportunity to influence and shape a new practice area.
Supportive, collegiate environment with excellent career progression prospects.
Access to high-profile and technically challenging work across NI, ROI, and GB markets.
If this role sounds right for you, then send an updated CV through the link or contact Alan Braithwaite for an honest and confidential discussion.
Visit Abacus Careers for other opportunities and view the 2026 Salary Guide.
Abacus has been hiring the best legal talent for 20 years, from Partner to Paralegal across Practice & In-House.
We have helped shape the careers of 1000s of legal and finance professionals since 2003 and helped 100s relocate back to Northern Ireland.
Location Belfast, Northern Ireland Salary Competitive Job Type Permanent Date Posted25 June, 2026
Planning and Environment Solicitor – Leadership level in Belfast employer: Abacus Recruitment
As a leading UK law firm, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking work culture that empowers our employees to excel in their careers. Our Belfast office offers the unique advantage of working on high-value transactions with major financial institutions while providing clear progression opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salaries and flexible working arrangements. Join us to be part of a team that values your expertise and supports your professional growth in the dynamic field of banking and finance.
