At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape major energy and infrastructure projects while advising clients on complex planning matters.
- Company: Join Pinsent Masons, the UK's largest planning team with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy structured development, flexible working, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Work on high-profile projects that make a real impact in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 6+ years of experience in planning and infrastructure consenting.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Join the UK’s largest planning team and play a key role in delivering the country’s most high-profile energy and infrastructure projects. Pinsent Masons is looking for a Senior Associate or Managing Senior Associate to join our market-leading Planning & Environment team in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh or Glasgow.
You’ll work predominantly within our Energy & Infrastructure consenting team, advising major clients on complex planning and consenting matters across energy, transport, water and other nationally significant infrastructure. This is an opportunity to build your profile alongside recognised specialists, take early responsibility and develop strong client relationships.
The opportunity
You will advise on major projects spanning offshore wind, utility-scale solar, carbon capture and storage, nuclear, pipelines, airports, ports, roads, water and rapid transit systems. The work is high profile, varied and closely connected to our wider Energy and Infrastructure sectors.
What you’ll do
- Bring your planning and consenting expertise to the table and help clients deliver complex, nationally significant projects, including:
- Advising on consenting strategies under the Planning Act 2008, Transport and Works Act 1992 and Town and Country Planning Act 1990
- Supporting Development Consent Order applications and other major planning and infrastructure consents
- Advising on compulsory acquisition, environmental impact assessment and habitats regulation assessment
- Supporting clients through inquiries, examinations and judicial review
- Building trusted client relationships and your own network, contributing to growth through business development
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across our Property, Energy and Infrastructure teams
What we’re looking for
You will be an England & Wales qualified lawyer with upwards of 6 years’ post-qualification experience gained within a large regional or national practice, with strong technical expertise in planning and infrastructure consenting. You will be commercially aware, client focused and enthusiastic about business development, with the collaborative approach needed to thrive in a hard-working, friendly and dynamic team.
About the team
Our Planning & Environment team is the largest in the UK, with specialists advising on major projects across the Energy, Infrastructure and Real Estate sectors. Our Energy & Infrastructure consenting lawyers act for leading organisations including Ørsted, EDF, bp, Drax Power, National Highways, Transport for London, Heathrow Airport and Southern Water.
Why Pinsent Masons
Our “exceptional by design” approach means we’ve deliberately shaped a firm where you can do your best work, combining high-quality matters, clear expectations and the support and flexibility to build a career that works for you.
Why join us?
- Interesting work, real scale– the opportunity to work on complex, high-profile matters within a genuinely international firm
- A firm that backs your growth– clear expectations, structured development and real investment in helping you reach your potential
- A progressive culture– collaborative, inclusive and forward-looking, with the space to innovate and do your best work
- A clear focus on sectors and clients– giving you the chance to build deep expertise and work closely with leading organisations in your field
Our commitment
At Pinsent Masons, we are committed to recruiting and retaining the best talent and building an inclusive and fair workplace. We value the strength that comes from different experiences and strive to create an environment where everyone feels they belong. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are dedicated to ensuring equitable opportunities throughout our recruitment processes.
If you need reasonable adjustments or accommodations to participate in our recruitment process or to perform the role, please tell us, we will work with you to identify a suitable approach.
How to apply
Applications are accepted via our recruitment portal only. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact our Talent Acquisition Advisor, Anwen Wallington.
Managing Senior Associate - Planning in Birmingham employer: Pinsent Masons
Pinsent Masons is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, or Glasgow, where you can shape the future of technology and digital transformation. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide clear progression opportunities, access to high-profile clients, and a collaborative culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join our market-leading TMT team and be part of innovative projects that drive meaningful change across various sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Senior Associate - Planning in Birmingham
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We think you need these skills to ace Managing Senior Associate - Planning in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Pinsent Masons, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Pinsent Masons
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Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
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Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
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