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- Tasks: Shape the future of iconic developments and manage environmental risks in planning.
- Company: Join a top UK Real Estate Planning team known for ambitious projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth, and the chance to work on high-profile mandates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national infrastructure and contribute to net-zero projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years legal experience in planning and environmental work required.
- Other info: Collaborate with a market-leading energy and infrastructure practice.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Our Real Estate Planning team are widely regarded as one of the best in the UK, advising on some of the most iconic and ambitious developments in the country. From offshore wind farms located 40 kilometres out to sea, to major residential schemes including new garden villages and regeneration programmes, to transformative rail, road and airport projects, and complex waste and mineral developments — we’re involved in all of it. This is your chance to help shape the future of nationally significant infrastructure and development.
What will you be doing? Our national team delivers a full spectrum of planning expertise, working on some of the most challenging and high‑profile mandates across the residential, commercial, infrastructure, environmental and waste sectors. We also handle contentious work including Judicial Review and Lands Chamber proceedings. As our workload continues to grow — not just in volume, but in ambition and complexity — we’re looking for someone with strong experience in planning, infrastructure and environmental work, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping to develop and strengthen our fantastic team.
What does the ideal candidate look like? As an environmental planning specialist, you’ll play a central role in securing consents for nationally significant and complex developments, with a particular focus on net‑zero‑enabling projects. You’ll lead legal reviews of EIA strategy and documentation, SEA/HRA, and ensure environmental outcomes are effectively secured through conditions and s106 (including BNG and nutrient neutrality). You’ll help shape DCO/NSIP applications, support examinations and stakeholder engagement, and take the lead in managing environmental risk through appeals and JR. You’ll also be working alongside a market‑leading energy and infrastructure practice.
If you bring hands‑on experience across these areas and a confident understanding of the NPPF and current reforms, we’d love to hear from you.
To be successful in this role, you’ll need as a minimum:
- A legal qualification with 5+ years post admission experience gained within a planning team.
- Experience working on large scale infrastructure projects with a focus on environmental planning.
- Have lead on legal reviews of environmental impact assessments.
- Knowledge of habitat regulations and application assessments.
- Broader planning experience across a range of consenting regimes including DCOs, TWAOs, HROs and planning permission.
- Sector experience in transport (specifically Rail and light Rail) and Energy (Renewables and Energy transmission) would be advantageous.
Senior Planning Lawyer (Environmental) employer: Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Contact Detail:
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Lawyer (Environmental)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in the planning and environmental sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their work on iconic developments and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see your passion for shaping the future of infrastructure shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise in environmental planning during interviews. Be prepared to discuss specific cases where you’ve led legal reviews or managed environmental risks. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their hands-on experience and knowledge of current regulations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Lawyer (Environmental)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Planning: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for environmental planning shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our ambitious projects and how you can contribute to shaping the future of infrastructure.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience in large-scale infrastructure projects and your understanding of environmental regulations. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their skills to what we do.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your past roles; dive into the details! Share specific examples of your work on EIA strategies, DCO applications, or any contentious cases you've handled. This helps us understand your hands-on experience and how it fits with our needs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of environmental planning and the specific projects mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with the NPPF, EIA strategies, and habitat regulations. This will not only show your expertise but also your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences with large-scale infrastructure projects. Be ready to share specific examples where you've led legal reviews or managed environmental risks. Highlighting your hands-on experience will demonstrate that you're the right fit for their ambitious projects.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Research the company’s recent projects and their approach to net-zero initiatives. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for contributing to their vision of shaping nationally significant infrastructure. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely invested in their mission.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team’s current challenges or upcoming projects. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your career goals. It’s a two-way street, so make sure you’re also evaluating them!