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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, hybrid working, and a focus on wellbeing and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on significant environmental projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE in planning or environmental law with strong technical expertise.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and development in a people-focused environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
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.
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!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the firm and its recent projects. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in environmental planning. We recommend practising common interview questions and having a few of your own ready to show your interest!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance, highlight your specific experience with large-scale infrastructure projects and environmental assessments. We want to see how you can bring value to the team, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes and insights!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of landing that role! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Lawyer (Environmental) - Bristol - 5+ PQE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in environmental planning and large-scale infrastructure projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about environmental law and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, focus on your hands-on experience with Environmental Impact Assessments and any major projects you've worked on. We love seeing real examples of your work that demonstrate your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chadwick Nott - South West and South Wales
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your environmental planning knowledge, especially around EIAs and habitat regulations. Familiarise yourself with recent case studies or projects that the firm has worked on, particularly those involving large-scale infrastructure.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you've led environmental planning work or managed complex projects. Highlight your experience with DCOs and stakeholder engagement, as these will be key in demonstrating your fit for the role.
✨Understand the Firm's Culture
Research the firm's values and culture, especially their commitment to collaboration and wellbeing. Be ready to share how you can contribute to this environment and support the team's growth while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm's current projects and future plans in environmental planning. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the firm aligns with your career aspirations.