Associate/Senior Associate - Planning in Southampton

Ready to take your career to the next level? We’re one of the UK’s most forward-thinking law firms, built on a foundation of innovation, collaboration, and ambition. Join us, and let’s shape the future together.

Being refreshingly human starts with how we hire. We believe a diverse mix of perspectives makes us stronger – not just as a business, but in creating a culture where we all feel we truly belong and can thrive. That’s why we’re committed to removing barriers and creating fair opportunities for everyone.

The role in 60 seconds:

• Location: Southampton, Bristol, Exeter
• Working Pattern: Full-time

Why this role matters: This is an exciting opportunity to join our nationally recognised Planning & Environmental team, ranked in Chambers and Legal 500, at a time of continued growth. You’ll work on a diverse range of high-profile planning matters, with a particular focus on major infrastructure projects and development schemes. Our work spans Development Consent Orders and other infrastructure consenting regimes, alongside complex Town and Country Planning Act matters for developers, infrastructure providers, landowners, and investors.

What you’ll do:

• Advise clients on a broad range of planning matters, working closely with colleagues across the firm to deliver practical, commercially focused advice.
• Advise on Development Consent Orders for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and other infrastructure consenting regimes, including supporting project strategy, examination processes, and consent implementation.
• Advise clients on a wide range of Town and Country Planning Act matters, including planning applications, planning appeals, planning strategy and development delivery.
• Negotiate planning and infrastructure agreements, including section 106 agreements, highways agreements and related documentation.
• Provide planning support on corporate, real estate, energy, and infrastructure transactions, including planning due diligence and risk management advice.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the wider Transactional Property Group and the firm to deliver seamless, high-quality client service.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, becoming a trusted adviser and identifying opportunities to further support clients' needs.
• Play an active role in business development, networking, and profile-raising activities to support the continued growth of the practice.
• Share knowledge and support the development of junior lawyers and trainees, contributing to a collaborative and high-performing team culture.

What we’re looking for:

• We’re looking for a collaborative, commercially minded and ambitious planning lawyer who is keen to contribute to the continued growth of our Planning & Environmental team.
• Approximately 3–6 years' PQE, although we welcome applications from candidates outside this range where they can demonstrate the relevant skills and experience.
• Experience advising on Development Consent Orders (DCOs), Infrastructure Consent Orders (ICOs) and/or other major infrastructure consenting regimes.
• Strong experience of Town and Country Planning Act matters, including planning applications, planning agreements and development delivery work.
• Experience in the energy, transport, utilities, regeneration or wider infrastructure sectors would be particularly attractive.
• Experience of environmental law would be beneficial but is not essential.
• A commercial and pragmatic approach, with a focus on delivering practical solutions and exceptional client service.
• Strong drafting, analytical and technical legal skills.
• Experience building and maintaining strong client relationships, with the credibility to become a trusted adviser.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients, colleagues, consultants and external partners.
• An enthusiasm for business development and contributing to the continued growth and success of the team.
• A collaborative approach and a genuine interest in supporting and developing junior colleagues.

Why Foot Anstey?

You’ll be joining a collaborative and ambitious team that combines technical excellence with a genuinely commercial approach. We are committed to helping our people develop their careers, build strong client relationships, and make a meaningful contribution to the future success of the practice.

If you’re looking for high-quality work, early responsibility, and the opportunity to help shape a growing planning and infrastructure practice, we’d love to hear from you.

What if I don’t tick every box?

We’re not box tickers. We appreciate the need for everyone to find a role that challenges them and gives them room for growth. If you bring transferable skills and a fresh perspective, we’d love to hear from you. If this role excites you and you have the skills to succeed, we encourage you to apply.

Join a seriously ambitious firm:

• An ambitious growth strategy that opens up opportunities for our people to make their mark.
• A client base that spans household names, thriving startups, and ambitious enterprises.
• A culture built on our values of being refreshingly human, entrepreneurial, inclusive and collaborative.
• A strong focus on being a responsible business with a commitment to sustainability and giving back to our communities.
• Comprehensive professional development and training – whatever your role and level we have training that will support you to achieve your goals.

Progressive benefits tailored to you:

We believe our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional growth and personal wellbeing, including:

• Competitive salary and performance-linked bonus.
• Employee sabbaticals.
• Enhanced parental leave policies.
• Private healthcare and wellbeing initiatives (e.g., mental health support, gym memberships).

Ready to apply?

Find out more about diversity and inclusion at our firm. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we invite applicants to complete optional demographic questions. Any information you choose to share will be anonymised and not linked to your application.