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- Tasks: Advise on planning law for major infrastructure projects and manage complex cases.
- 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 dynamic team and make an impact on significant national projects.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 7+ years' PQE in planning law or infrastructure consenting.
- Other info: Opportunities for international work and commitment to community engagement.
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
If this opportunity sounds of interest or you'd like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:
Email:
Phone:
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 Wales 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 Wales
✨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 former colleagues or classmates. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Senior Associate role.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with major infrastructure projects and planning law. Share specific examples of your work, especially those that demonstrate your ability to manage complex projects and build client relationships.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research the firm’s recent projects and their approach to planning law. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially in areas like DCOs and EIAs. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior Associate position. We love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged, so make sure your application stands out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate - Planning - Cardiff - 7+ Years PQE in Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for 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!
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on detailing your technical knowledge of planning legislation and regulatory frameworks. We’re keen to know about your experience with DCOs, EIAs, and other key areas mentioned in the job description. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise: When drafting your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly 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 proactive and 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 law and the specific regulations relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with Development Consent Orders (DCOs) and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), as these are key areas for the position.
✨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, as this will demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, building strong client relationships is crucial in this role. During the interview, engage with your interviewers, ask insightful questions, and show genuine interest in their work and the firm’s projects. This will help you stand out as a candidate who values collaboration.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to planning legislation and regulatory frameworks. Prepare by reviewing recent case studies or significant projects you've worked on, and be ready to discuss how your expertise can contribute to the firm's success in major infrastructure projects.
