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- Tasks: Join our Environment Team to provide strategic advice on climate and sustainability issues.
- Company: Pinsent Masons is a top-ranked law firm with a focus on environmental law and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive training, early responsibility, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Work on impactful projects like biodiversity initiatives and collaborate with leading professionals in the field.
- Qualifications: Must have 7+ years PQE, strong academic background, and excellent client handling skills.
- Other info: Opportunities available in multiple UK locations including Manchester, London, and Edinburgh.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: London, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen
Contract Type: Permanent
The Brief: We are currently recruiting for a qualified lawyer with upwards of 7 years PQE to join our Environment Team, focusing on Climate & Sustainability practice. The candidate will be based in one of our offices in London, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Aberdeen. We seek someone with market-leading skills and strong experience in providing strategic and regulatory advice on environment, natural capital, and climate and sustainability issues, including contractual drafting and negotiation.
Key experience areas include:
- Biodiversity Net Gain and Nutrient Neutrality advising for developers;
- Natural capital projects in the UK and overseas;
- Carbon offsetting projects in the UK and overseas;
- Drafting and negotiating agreements related to BNG, Nutrient Neutrality, natural capital investments, and ecosystems services;
- Climate reporting, extended producer responsibility, and supply chain measures.
This role offers the chance to work on a broad spectrum of environmental and sustainability matters within a top-ranked, national team.
About the Team: Our Environment Team is part of the larger Planning & Environment group, the largest in the UK, involved in major projects across energy, infrastructure, and real estate sectors. The team covers environmental law, natural capital, climate change, and sustainability, advising on:
- Net zero, biodiversity, and natural capital advice;
- Environmental aspects of infrastructure projects;
- Regulatory compliance and advice.
Members also contribute to our Climate and Sustainability Advisory Practice, working alongside specialists from various disciplines to help clients meet legal and stakeholder expectations in sustainability. The successful candidate will have exposure to diverse environmental work and collaborate with leading legal and consulting professionals.
Key Clients include: Thames Water, Nattergal, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, Southern Water, Drax Power Limited, Plastic Collective, Royal Commission for AlUla
Work highlights:
- Advising on Biodiversity Net Gain projects like Eden Project's wildflower meadows;
- Supporting large rewilding schemes such as Boothby Wildland;
- Involvement in major infrastructure projects like the River Thames Scheme;
- Advising water companies on resource projects.
About the Candidate: The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background, experience in a large practice, and excellent client handling skills. They should be technically excellent, commercially aware, and eager to engage in business development. Leadership qualities, responsibility, and a proactive approach to supervising junior team members are essential.
What We Offer: A dynamic, growing team committed to excellence; Comprehensive training and career development opportunities; Early responsibility and client relationship development.
At Pinsent Masons, we value diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background or characteristics. We are committed to providing support and adjustments for all interviewees to ensure a fair process.
Environment Senior Associate – 7+ PQE employer: Pinsent Masons
Contact Detail:
Pinsent Masons Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Environment Senior Associate – 7+ PQE
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the environmental law sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with current employees at Pinsent Masons or similar firms. This can give you insights into the company culture and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends and regulations in climate and sustainability law. Follow relevant publications and join online forums to engage in discussions. Demonstrating your knowledge during interviews can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to biodiversity, carbon offsetting, or natural capital. Be ready to explain your role and the impact of your contributions, as this will showcase your practical experience in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Pinsent Masons' key clients and recent projects. Understanding their work with clients like Thames Water or Drax Power Limited will help you tailor your conversation and demonstrate your genuine interest in the firm’s focus areas.
We think you need these skills to ace Environment Senior Associate – 7+ PQE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Environment Senior Associate position. Familiarise yourself with the key experience areas mentioned in the job description, such as biodiversity net gain and climate reporting.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience that aligns with the role. Emphasise your qualifications, particularly your 7+ years PQE, and any specific projects or cases you've worked on that relate to environmental law and sustainability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for environmental issues and your expertise in the field. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide strategic and regulatory advice, and how you can contribute to Pinsent Masons' Environment Team.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as attention to detail is crucial in the legal field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pinsent Masons
✨Know Your Environmental Law
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in environmental law, particularly around climate change, biodiversity net gain, and natural capital. Being able to discuss recent cases or legislation will show your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Demonstrate Client Handling Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Highlight your ability to provide strategic advice and negotiate contracts, as this role requires strong client interaction and trust-building.
✨Showcase Leadership Qualities
Be ready to discuss your experience in leading teams or projects. Pinsent Masons values proactive individuals who can supervise junior members, so share specific instances where you've taken charge or mentored others.
✨Engage in Business Development
Think about ways you've contributed to business development in previous roles. Whether it's through networking, attending industry events, or bringing in new clients, demonstrating your commercial awareness will set you apart.