At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic legal advice on land matters for the Sizewell C nuclear project.
- Company: Join Sizewell C, a key player in the UK's low-carbon energy future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days annual leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a collaborative team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative energy project that values innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in planning and infrastructure law.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Sizewell C's business is to design, finance, construct, commission, operate, maintain, and eventually decommission the nuclear power plant and related infrastructure at Sizewell C in Suffolk. While the company is in the construction phase, the board's principal focus is on the development and construction of Sizewell C on time, on budget, and to the highest quality and safety standards. The company is maturing to meet all these requirements.
Sizewell C is economically regulated by OFGEM under the RAB model similar to other UK electricity distribution networks and Thames Tideway. Sizewell C's construction strategy is to replicate the design of Hinkley Point C, using the majority of the same supply chain, but innovating in the way it is delivered to achieve savings in time and cost of around 20%. The CCO will need to be guided by and incorporate lessons learned from the Hinkley Point C commercial delivery to achieve Sizewell C's ambition.
Following Financial Completion and Revenue Commencement, Sizewell C is fully funded and is owned by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero representing HM Government, La Caisse, Centrica, EDF and Amber Infrastructure.
Location: Based in Suffolk or in Manchester with travel to Suffolk as required.
Contract: Permanent, full‑time.
Salary: Competitive dependant on experience, plus benefits. Benefits include:
- Annual Leave: 28 days per annum, increasing to 30 days after 5 years of service, plus bank holidays.
- Bonus: 5% on target annual bonus.
- Pension Contributions: Defined Contribution Pension Scheme with up to 7.5% employee contribution, 15% employer contribution.
Closing Date: Thursday 4th June 2026.
Sizewell C is entering an exciting phase of growth as we mature into an independent organisation and continue building one of the UK's largest and most important energy projects.
About the Role: You will provide strategic and practical legal advice on all land matters for the Sizewell C nuclear new build project. You will also support Sizewell C in delivering against its planning requirements, advising on compliance with the terms of its DCO, DoO and any other relevant planning permissions, working closely with the planning legal counsel. You will work closely with internal stakeholders (particularly the land, planning and delivery teams), external advisors, government bodies, and landowners to support the timely, efficient and compliant delivery of the project. The role is central to securing, managing, and protecting the land rights required for one of the UK's largest and most complex infrastructure developments. The role sits within the Sizewell C legal team, which supports all areas of the Sizewell C project.
About You: We are looking for a qualified solicitor or barrister (England & Wales) with significant post‑qualification experience in planning, infrastructure, property or environmental law. You will also have:
- Strong experience advising on major infrastructure, energy or development projects.
- Demonstrable experience in land acquisition, property transactions, and compulsory purchase.
- Strong understanding of UK planning and consenting regimes, including DCO processes.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to provide pragmatic, solutions‑focused legal advice in a fast‑paced environment.
- Experience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary project teams.
Why Join Us? Be part of one of the most important low‑carbon energy projects in the UK. Work in a mission‑driven environment that values innovation, integrity, and long‑term sustainability. Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career development. Flexible and hybrid working options.
Key Competencies:
- Humility: Recognise the value brought from different cultures and experiences. Be open to other's points of view and ideas, be willing to debate and to compromise.
- Positivity: Positively challenge poor quality and performance. Identify solutions at the lowest possible level. Encourage tier 1s and others to bring new ideas forward.
- Respect: Value the rules and environment in which we operate. Give and receive feedback with respect. Embrace and engage with new people and ideas.
- Solidarity: One team, working closely together and helping each other. Empowered teams always looking forward. Shared responsibility for delivery of the project outcomes.
- Clarity: Communicate clearly and consistently. Promote collaboration and team alignment. Clearer and faster decision making. Drive simplification at all levels.
If this sounds like the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today. At Sizewell C we encourage and embrace diversity and how it can improve our experience and performance at work. It is a requirement that those who join us have the right to work in the UK. Whilst sponsorship may be a possibility that we can explore, we are fully committed to local recruitment where possible, and those already holding the right to work in the UK. To be appointed to this role, you will need to meet the criteria for Security Vetting, which will, ordinarily, require you to have been a resident of the UK for at least three of the past five years.
Legal Counsel in Haverhill employer: Sizewell C
Sizewell C is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the UK's most significant low-carbon energy projects. With a strong focus on innovation, integrity, and sustainability, employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and flexible working options, all within a collaborative and mission-driven environment that fosters professional growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel in Haverhill
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Sizewell C on LinkedIn or through industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding Sizewell C's projects and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission in low-carbon energy. We love candidates who are passionate about what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Legal Counsel, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to handle complex discussions. Role-play with a friend or mentor to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show us that you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Sizewell C.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel in Haverhill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning, infrastructure, and property law. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of Sizewell C, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working closely with various teams and stakeholders, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you’ve successfully worked in multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sizewell C
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning, infrastructure, and environmental law. Familiarise yourself with the DCO processes and any recent changes in legislation that could impact Sizewell C. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Understand the Project
Dive deep into Sizewell C's objectives and challenges. Research its construction strategy and how it aims to replicate Hinkley Point C. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the project.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with various stakeholders in past roles. Highlight your negotiation skills and ability to provide solutions in a fast-paced environment, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Embrace the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Sizewell C's values, such as humility, positivity, and respect. Be ready to discuss how you embody these traits in your work. Showing that you align with their culture can set you apart from other candidates.
