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- Tasks: Advise on major planning projects and collaborate with a dynamic team.
- Company: Leading national law firm with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and comprehensive health support.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and international work.
- Why this job: Join a market-leading team and make an impact on significant infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: 7+ years PQE in planning law with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 95000 £ per year.
Location: Cardiff
Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time (with hybrid flexibility)
Salary: £75,000 to £95,000 (depending on experience)
A leading national law firm is seeking a Senior Associate with at least 7 years' PQE to join its highly regarded Planning team in Cardiff. This is an exciting opportunity to work on nationally significant infrastructure projects and complex planning matters for a diverse client base, including developers, utilities, energy companies, and public sector bodies.
The Role
You will play a key role within a market leading Real Estate and Infrastructure practice, working alongside a large team of experienced planning specialists. The team advises on all aspects of planning law, including:
- Development Consent Orders (DCOs) for major infrastructure projects
- Strategic Infrastructure Projects in Wales
- Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
- Compulsory purchase and land assembly
- Judicial reviews and planning appeals
- Strategic consenting advice across real estate, energy, transport, and utilities
You will collaborate with colleagues across the UK network and contribute to high profile projects in renewable energy, transport, major infrastructure, and real estate development.
Key Responsibilities
- Advising on a wide range of planning and consenting matters, including DCOs, SIPs, EIAs, compulsory purchase, and planning agreements
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating planning documentation and related agreements
- Managing complex projects from inception to completion
- Supporting clients at inquiries, hearings, and examinations
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships
- Contributing to business development and thought leadership in the planning sector
- Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers, supporting their professional development
Skills and Experience
We are looking for:
- A qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 7+ years' PQE in planning law or infrastructure consenting
- Experience advising on major infrastructure projects and/or renewable energy schemes
- Strong technical knowledge of planning legislation and regulatory frameworks
- Excellent drafting and negotiation skills
- Ability to manage multiple matters and work effectively under pressure
- Commercial awareness and a proactive, client focused approach
Benefits
The firm offers a comprehensive and forward thinking benefits package, including:
- Transparent and equitable reward structure
- Recognition for performance and contribution
- Flexible, agile, and hybrid working options
- Dental, healthcare, and wellbeing support
- Strong commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Structured professional development, mentoring, and training programmes
- Opportunities for international and cross functional work
- Pro bono and community engagement initiatives
- Retirement planning, insurance, and financial wellbeing support
How to Apply
If this opportunity sounds of interest or you'd like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:
Email:
Phone: 0117 917 1515 / 07711 799761
The firm is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Adjustments to the recruitment process can be made to support individual needs. 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 Associate - Planning - Cardiff - 7+ Years PQE employer: Chadwick Nott
Contact Detail:
Chadwick Nott Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate - Planning - Cardiff - 7+ Years 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 Informational Interview
If you can, set up informal chats with professionals in the planning sector. This is your chance to learn more about the role and the firm while showcasing your enthusiasm and knowledge. Plus, it could lead to job opportunities down the line!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with major infrastructure projects and planning law. Bring examples of your work or discuss specific cases where you made an impact. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate - Planning - Cardiff - 7+ Years PQE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Associate role. Highlight your 7+ years of PQE in planning law and any relevant experience with major infrastructure projects. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about planning law and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the role.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We’re keen on strong technical knowledge, so don’t shy away from showcasing your expertise in planning legislation and regulatory frameworks. Include examples of your drafting and negotiation skills to really stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chadwick Nott
✨Know Your Planning Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation and regulatory frameworks. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like Development Consent Orders (DCOs) and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience managing complex projects from inception to completion. Think of specific examples where you've successfully navigated challenges, supported clients at inquiries, or led a team. This will highlight your ability to handle the responsibilities of the Senior Associate role.
✨Demonstrate Client Relationship Building
Think about how you've built and maintained strong client relationships in the past. Be ready to share examples of how you've contributed to business development and provided strategic advice. This will show that you're not just technically skilled but also commercially aware and client-focused.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and mentoring junior lawyers. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate your approach to collaboration and professional development. This will help you connect with the interviewers and showcase your fit within their team culture.