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- Tasks: Advise on major infrastructure projects and complex planning matters.
- Company: Leading national law firm with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, healthcare support, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a market-leading team and make an impact on significant projects across the UK.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 7+ years' PQE in planning law or infrastructure consenting.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for international work and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 95000 £ per year.
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: oliviareed@chadwicknott.co.uk
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 champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace.
Senior Associate - Planning - Cardiff - 7+ Years PQE in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the planning and infrastructure sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Senior Associate role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a strong online presence by sharing insights on planning law and infrastructure projects. Write articles or engage in discussions on platforms like LinkedIn. This not only highlights your knowledge but also attracts potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on recent developments in planning legislation and major infrastructure projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the firm’s needs. Confidence is key, so practice your pitch!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Senior Associate position!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate - Planning - Cardiff - 7+ Years PQE in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your 7+ years of PQE in planning law. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your work on major infrastructure projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our Planning team. Share specific examples of your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Show Off Your Skills: We’re looking for strong drafting and negotiation skills, so make sure to highlight these in your application. If you’ve managed complex projects or advised on DCOs, let us know – we love seeing that kind of experience!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join 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. Be prepared to discuss recent changes in the law and how they might impact major infrastructure projects. This will show that you're not just experienced, but also current and engaged with the field.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since you'll be managing complex projects, come ready with examples of how you've successfully overseen similar matters from inception to completion. Highlight your ability to juggle multiple tasks and work under pressure, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Client Relationship Building
Think of specific instances where you've built strong client relationships or contributed to business development. The firm values a proactive, client-focused approach, so be ready to share how you've gone above and beyond for clients in the past.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to Development Consent Orders (DCOs), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and other planning matters. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making in these areas, as it will demonstrate your expertise and confidence.
