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- Tasks: Lead environmental planning for major national projects and shape the future of large-scale development.
- Company: A leading national law firm with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, private medical insurance, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant infrastructure projects while enjoying a flexible work environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE in planning or environmental law with strong technical expertise.
- Other info: Join a carbon-neutral firm committed to community engagement and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol (hybrid working available)
Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time
Salary: £70,000 - £100,000 (dependent on experience)
A leading national law firm is seeking a Senior Planning Lawyer with strong environmental planning expertise to join its highly regarded Real Estate Planning team in Bristol. The team is known for advising on some of the UK's most ambitious and nationally significant developments - including offshore wind farms, major transport schemes, new garden villages, regeneration projects, and complex waste and minerals developments.
What You’ll Be Doing
You will play a key role in delivering complex, high‑profile planning and environmental work, supporting major national projects and shaping the future of large‑scale development. Responsibilities include:
- Leading environmental planning work for nationally significant infrastructure projects
- Advising on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) strategy and documentation
- Reviewing SEA/HRA and managing environmental risk
- Securing environmental outcomes through conditions and S106 agreements (including BNG and nutrient neutrality)
- Shaping and supporting DCO/NSIP applications, examinations and stakeholder engagement
- Managing environmental issues in appeals and Judicial Review proceedings
- Working closely with a market‑leading energy and infrastructure practice
- Supporting the wider team’s growth and development
Ideal Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will bring strong technical expertise and hands‑on experience in environmental planning. Key requirements include:
- 5+ years PQE within a planning or environmental planning team
- Experience advising on large‑scale infrastructure projects
- Proven experience leading legal reviews of EIAs
- Knowledge of habitat regulations and assessment processes
- Broader experience across consenting regimes such as DCOs, TWAOs, HROs and planning permissions
- Sector experience in transport (rail/light rail) and energy (renewables, transmission) is advantageous
- Confident understanding of the NPPF and current planning reforms
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a national team
Working Environment
The firm offers an open, supportive and people‑focused culture. Colleagues value the collaborative environment, emphasis on wellbeing, and genuine commitment to maintaining a healthy work‑life balance.
Hybrid Working
A flexible hybrid model is available, shaped around client and team needs. Alternative working patterns can be discussed.
Learning, Development & Progression
You will have access to:
- Tailored training and development programmes
- Opportunities to work alongside leading specialists in planning and infrastructure
- Clear progression pathways supported through structured review processes
Wellbeing
Employees benefit from a wide range of wellbeing initiatives, including:
- Commitment to the Mindful Business Charter
- A dedicated wellbeing programme with events and resources
- Access to confidential support services
Benefits
The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Minimum 25 days holiday (with option to buy additional days)
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Generous pension scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Biennial private health assessments
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work scheme
Responsible Business
The firm is committed to community engagement, environmental sustainability and supporting local initiatives. It is proudly carbon neutral and actively involved in pro bono work and charitable projects.
How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact: Olivia Reed
Email: oliviareed@chadwicknott.co.uk
Phone: 0117 917 1515 / 07711 799761
At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace.
Senior Planning Lawyer (Environmental) - Bristol - 5+ PQE employer: Chadwick Nott - South West and South Wales
Contact Detail:
Chadwick Nott - South West and South Wales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Lawyer (Environmental) - Bristol - 5+ PQE
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at firms you’re interested in. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with environmental planning and large-scale projects. We want to see how your skills can directly contribute to their ambitious developments. Be confident and let your knowledge shine!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research the firm’s recent projects and understand their approach to environmental issues. We recommend preparing some thoughtful questions to show your genuine interest in their work and culture. It’ll set you apart from the crowd!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance of landing that dream job! We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Lawyer (Environmental) - Bristol - 5+ PQE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in environmental planning. We want to see how your skills align with the role, especially your work on large-scale infrastructure projects.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on detailing your technical expertise! We’re looking for someone with strong knowledge of EIAs and habitat regulations, so make sure to include relevant examples from your past work.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chadwick Nott - South West and South Wales
✨Know Your Environmental Planning Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of environmental planning, especially regarding EIA strategies and habitat regulations. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you've navigated complex environmental issues.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires strong teamwork, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with colleagues or stakeholders in past projects. Highlight your communication skills and how they’ve helped you achieve positive outcomes.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to large-scale infrastructure projects and the consenting regimes like DCOs and TWAOs. Brush up on recent planning reforms and be ready to discuss how they impact your work.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
Given the firm's commitment to environmental sustainability, express your passion for responsible business practices. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that align with their values, such as pro bono work or community engagement.