At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic legal advice on land matters for the Sizewell C nuclear project.
- Company: Join a leading energy company focused on low-carbon projects.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, competitive salary, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital energy project shaping the UK's future.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in planning and infrastructure law.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Sizewell C’s business is to design, finance, construct, commission, operate, maintain, and eventually decommission the nuclear power plant and related infrastructure at Sizewell C in Suffolk. Overall, whilst the Company is in the construction phase, the Boards’ principal focus is on the development and construction of Sizewell C on time, on budget and to the highest quality and safety standards. The Company is maturing to meet all these requirements.
Sizewell C is economically regulated by OFGEM under the RAB model similar to other UK electricity distribution networks and Thames Tideway. Sizewell C construction strategy is to replicate the design of Hinkley Point C, using the majority of the same supply chain, but innovating in the way it is delivered to achieve savings in time and cost of around 20%. The CCO will need to be guided by and incorporate lessons learned from the Hinkley Point C commercial delivery to achieve Sizewell C’s ambition.
Following Financial Completion and Revenue Commencement, Sizewell C is fully funded and is owned by; The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero representing HM Government, La Caisse, Centrica, EDF and Amber Infrastructure.
Location: Based in Suffolk or in Manchester with travel to Suffolk as required. Contract: Permanent, full-time.
Benefits
- Annual Leave: 28 days per annum, increasing to 30 days after 5 years of service, plus bank holidays.
- Bonus: 5% on target annual bonus.
- Pension Contributions: Defined Contribution Pension Scheme with up to 7.5% employee contribution, 15% employer contribution.
Sizewell C is entering an exciting phase of growth as we mature into an independent organisation and continue building one of the UK’s largest and most important energy projects.
About the Role
You will provide strategic and practical legal advice on all land matters for the Sizewell C nuclear new build project. You will also support Sizewell C in delivering against its planning requirements, advising on compliance with the terms of its DCO, DoO and any other relevant planning permissions, working closely with the planning legal counsel. You will work closely with internal stakeholders (particularly the land, planning and delivery teams), external advisors, government bodies, and landowners to support the timely, efficient and compliant delivery of the project. The role is central to securing, managing, and protecting the land rights required for one of the UK’s largest and most complex infrastructure developments. The role sits within the Sizewell C legal team, which supports all areas of the Sizewell C project.
About You
We are looking for a qualified solicitor or barrister (England & Wales) with significant post‑qualification experience in planning, infrastructure, property or environmental law. You will also have:
- Strong experience advising on major infrastructure, energy or development projects.
- Demonstrable experience in land acquisition, property transactions, and compulsory purchase.
- Strong understanding of UK planning and consenting regimes, including DCO processes.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to provide pragmatic, solutions‑focused legal advice in a fast‑paced environment.
- Experience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary project teams.
Why Join Us?
Be part of one of the most important low‑carbon energy projects in the UK. Work in a mission‑driven environment that values innovation, integrity, and long‑term sustainability. Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career development. Flexible and hybrid working options.
Behavioural Competences
- Humility: Recognise the value brought from different cultures and experiences. Be open to others’ points of view and ideas, be willing to debate and to compromise.
- Positivity: Positively challenge poor quality and performance. Identify solutions at the lowest possible level. Encourage tier 1s and others to bring new ideas forward.
- Respect: Value the rules and environment in which we operate. Give and receive feedback with respect. Embrace and engage with new people and ideas. One team, working closely together and helping each other. Empowered teams always looking forward. Shared responsibility for delivery of the project outcomes.
- Clarity: Communicate clearly and consistently. Promote collaboration and team alignment. Drive simplification at all levels.
At Sizewell C we encourage and embrace diversity and how it can improve our experience and performance at work. It is a requirement that those who join us have the right to work in the UK. We are fully committed to local recruitment where possible, and to those already holding the right to work in the UK. To be appointed to this role, you will need to meet the criteria for Security Vetting, which will, ordinarily, require you to have been a resident of the UK for at least three of the past five years.
Legal Counsel in Leiston employer: CWA
Sizewell C is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the UK's most significant low-carbon energy projects. With a strong focus on innovation, integrity, and sustainability, employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and flexible working options, all within a collaborative and mission-driven environment that fosters personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel in Leiston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the legal field, especially those involved in infrastructure and energy projects. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sizewell C and its projects. Understand their legal challenges and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Legal Counsel, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Sizewell C team and contributing to this exciting project.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel in Leiston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning, infrastructure, and property law. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of Sizewell C, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working closely with various teams, it’s essential to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you’ve successfully worked with multidisciplinary teams in the past – we love a good team player!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point while still conveying your passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application 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 CWA
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning, infrastructure, and environmental law. Familiarise yourself with the DCO processes and any recent changes in legislation that could impact Sizewell C. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Understand the Project
Dive deep into the specifics of the Sizewell C project. Understand its goals, challenges, and the importance of compliance with planning permissions. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and how you can contribute to the project's success.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to manage relationships and navigate complex discussions, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the challenges they foresee in the project, or how they measure success. It shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the role.
