At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic legal advice on land matters for the Sizewell C nuclear project.
- Company: Join a leading team in one of the UK's largest low-carbon energy projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days annual leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable infrastructure while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in planning and infrastructure law.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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: Friday 12th June 2026.
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. 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
Behavioural Competences
- Humility: Recognise the value brought from different cultures and experiences. Be open to others' 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 delivering the project outcomes.
- Clarity: Communicate clearly and consistently. Promote collaboration and team alignment. Clearer and faster decision making. Drive simplification at all levels.
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, Land and Planning employer: Sizewell C
Join Sizewell C, a leader in the UK's low-carbon energy sector, where you will play a pivotal role in one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the country. Our supportive work culture fosters innovation and collaboration, offering competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, all while promoting a flexible working environment. With a commitment to diversity and sustainability, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel, Land and Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those involved in land and planning. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Sizewell C project inside out. Understand its challenges and how your skills in planning and property law can make a difference. Show us you’re passionate about contributing to this major infrastructure development!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to manage stakeholders effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel, Land and Planning
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 requirements of the Legal Counsel role.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; give us examples of your work on major infrastructure projects. We love seeing real-world applications of your legal expertise, especially in land acquisition and DCO processes.
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 strengths.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
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. Be ready to discuss specific cases or projects you've worked on that relate to land acquisition and DCO processes. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Understand the Project
Familiarise yourself with the Sizewell C project and its significance in the UK’s energy landscape. Knowing the ins and outs of the project will help you answer questions more effectively and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with various stakeholders in past roles. Highlight your negotiation skills and how you’ve navigated complex situations, as this is crucial for working with landowners and government bodies.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, be ready to share experiences where you’ve collaborated effectively. Discuss how you’ve contributed to team success and how you value diverse perspectives, aligning with the company’s emphasis on solidarity and respect.
