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- Tasks: Advise on planning law and manage complex infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join Eversheds Sutherland, a leading law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, health support, career development, and community engagement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact on major infrastructure projects while mentoring junior lawyers.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 7+ years in planning law and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career growth and international exposure.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are looking for a Senior Associate with at least 7 years’ post‑qualification experience to join our Planning team in Cardiff. This role involves working on national level infrastructure projects and complex planning matters for a diverse client base, including developers, utilities, energy companies and public sector bodies.
The Planning team is part of Eversheds Sutherland’s market‑leading Real Estate and Infrastructure practice. It consists of 10 Partners, 4 Legal Directors, 4 Principal Associates, 4 Senior Associates, 5 Associates and other legal roles. Together, 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 for real‑estate, energy, transport and utilities sectors
Key Responsibilities
- Advise on a wide range of planning and consenting matters, including DCOs, SIPs, EIAs, compulsory purchase and planning agreements.
- Draft, review and negotiate planning documentation and related agreements.
- Manage complex projects from start to finish, ensuring deadlines and client expectations are met.
- Support clients at inquiries, hearings and examinations.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships through excellent service delivery.
- Contribute to business development initiatives and thought leadership in the planning sector.
- Supervise and mentor junior lawyers within the team, providing guidance and support to aid their development.
Skills and Experience
- 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 related regulatory frameworks.
- Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple matters and work under pressure.
- Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to client service.
What’s in it for you?
- We’re fair, transparent and equitable.
- We share in the success of the firm, reward alignment with our values and your individual performance.
- We support flexible ways of working through our remote working policy and commitment to flexible, agile and hybrid working.
- We support your health and performance through our health and wellness support.
- We support diversity and inclusion.
- We provide a platform for your career through structured professional and personal training, mentoring and development programmes.
- We provide experience and opportunity through international and cross‑function exposure.
- We offer opportunities for pro‑bono work and community engagement.
- We help you plan ahead through retirement planning, insurance and assurance.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Other
Industries: Law Practice
Job Location: Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Senior Associate in Cardiff employer: Eversheds Sutherland
Contact Detail:
Eversheds Sutherland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate in Cardiff
✨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 Eversheds Sutherland. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Showcase 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 how you've tackled complex issues in the past – it’ll show you’re the real deal!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview. Understand Eversheds Sutherland’s recent projects and their approach to planning law. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest and knowledge – it’ll set you apart from the crowd!
✨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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Eversheds Sutherland.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Associate role. Highlight your 7+ years of experience in planning law and any major infrastructure projects you've worked on. 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 experiences that relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, don't forget to showcase your excellent drafting and negotiation skills. We love seeing examples of how you've managed complex projects and built strong client relationships. This is your moment to impress us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eversheds Sutherland
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning law and infrastructure projects. Familiarise yourself with key legislation, especially around Development Consent Orders and Environmental Impact Assessments. This will show that you're not just qualified but genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific cases or projects you've worked on that relate to the job description. Highlight your experience with major infrastructure projects and how you've managed complex matters. Use examples that demonstrate your drafting and negotiation skills.
✨Client Relationships Matter
Eversheds Sutherland values strong client relationships, so be ready to talk about how you've built and maintained these in your previous roles. Share examples of how you've delivered excellent service and contributed to business development initiatives.
✨Be a Team Player
Since you'll be supervising and mentoring junior lawyers, think about your leadership style and how you can support team development. Prepare to discuss how you've guided others in the past and your approach to fostering a collaborative environment.
