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- Tasks: Advise on environmental risk, sustainability strategies, and regulatory compliance for innovative projects.
- Company: Leading UK law firm focused on environmental, planning, and real estate law.
- Benefits: Collaborative team environment with exposure to impactful projects and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainability and environmental impact while working with top professionals.
- Qualifications: 5+ PQE in environmental law with strong analytical and communication skills.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team at the intersection of law and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the job Rutherford is partnered with a leading UK law firm renowned for its integrated expertise across environmental, planning, and real estate law. The firm is seeking an experienced Environmental Associate (5+ PQE) to join its growing national team, advising public authorities, developers, and investors on managing environmental risk, sustainability strategy, and regulatory compliance. You’ll work alongside market-leading partners and specialists in planning, ESG, and infrastructure, contributing to some of the UK’s most innovative regeneration and sustainability-focused projects. Key responsibilities Advise clients on environmental risk and compliance, including contaminated land, pollution control, waste management, air and water quality, and biodiversity net gain. Support major development and infrastructure projects, guiding clients through Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), permitting, and enforcement. Help shape climate and sustainability strategies, from decarbonisation and energy transition to ESG governance. Draft and negotiate environmental provisions in real estate, corporate, and infrastructure transactions, ensuring effective risk allocation. Work closely with specialists across planning, construction, and governance to provide joined up, commercially focused advice. Build trusted relationships with local authorities, housing providers, and developers on projects that deliver both commercial and social value. What you’ll bring Strong experience advising on complex environmental and sustainability issues within a development, infrastructure, or regulatory context. Proven ability to translate technical regulation into clear, practical guidance for a wide range of stakeholders. Excellent drafting, analytical, and communication skills, with a focus on actionable, risk-aware advice. A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for working across disciplines and sectors. A genuine interest in sustainability, ESG, and helping clients achieve measurable environmental impact. Why join This is an opportunity to be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team that sits at the intersection of law, sustainability, and development. You’ll gain exposure to the full lifecycle of environmental and regeneration projects, from strategy and compliance through to delivery and governance. The firm’s commitment to ESG, sustainability, and social value means your work will have visible, lasting impact, helping clients navigate complex regulation while driving meaningful environmental change. The ideal candidate will be a commercially astute legal professional with 5 + PQE in environmental law . They will combine deep technical expertise with a passion for sustainability, a collaborative mindset, and a proven ability to deliver pragmatic, client-focused advice across complex development and infrastructure projects. If this sounds like the right next step for you, get in touch in confidence to find out more. Please apply on the link or reach out directly via email – pascale@rutherfordsearch.com, or call – 020 3778 2207.
Environmental Lawyer employer: Rutherford
Contact Detail:
Rutherford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Lawyer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the environmental law field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with environmental risk and compliance. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex issues in past roles – it’ll show them you’re the real deal!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every firm is different, so do your homework! Understand the specific values and projects of the firm you're applying to, and tailor your conversations to reflect how your skills align with their needs. This shows you’re genuinely interested and not just sending out generic applications.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you in front of the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Environmental Lawyer role. Highlight your experience in environmental law, sustainability, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for sustainability and environmental issues shine through in your application. Share examples of how you've contributed to projects that have made a positive impact. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference!
Be Clear and Concise: When drafting your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your experience and skills. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It streamlines the process for us and ensures your application is received promptly. Don’t forget to double-check everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rutherford
✨Know Your Environmental Law
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in environmental law, especially those relevant to planning and sustainability. Familiarise yourself with key regulations and case studies that demonstrate your understanding of complex issues like contaminated land and pollution control.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires a collaborative approach, so be ready to discuss examples of how you've worked across different disciplines. Highlight any experiences where you’ve successfully partnered with other professionals to achieve a common goal, particularly in environmental or infrastructure projects.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to provide actionable advice. Think about past cases where you translated technical regulations into clear guidance for clients, and be prepared to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
Your genuine interest in sustainability and ESG will set you apart. Be ready to discuss why these issues matter to you personally and professionally, and how you envision contributing to meaningful environmental change through your work.
