Planning Lawyer
Bristol or Southampton
About the firm
We’re delighted to partner with this international UK Top 50 firm to recruit a Lawyer to work within their Planning & Infrastructure team. Whether it is off shore wind farms located 40 kilometres out to sea, major residential schemes including garden villages and regeneration, new rail and road projects, airport developments, or waste and mineral projects; our client is instructed on all of them.
Their national team offers clients a full-spectrum of expertise and handles a range of complex mandates in the residential, commercial and infrastructure and environmental and waste sectors, as well as contentious work in Judicial Review and Lands Chamber proceedings. The team prides itself on the quality and commerciality of their service, their industry insight and the talent and passion of their people which not only engages clients, but creates lasting business and advisory relationships.
About You
Due to the growth in client demand, as well as the variety and complexity of the projects being worked on, this role needs strong experience in planning, infrastructure and environmental work as well as a genuine enthusiasm to support the further development of the team. You could find yourself working on large scale development consent orders, compulsory acquisitions, giving strategic planning advice, reviewing environmental statements, assisting with project management and supporting our national real estate practice. The role offers an unrivalled opportunity to work on a wide range of premium level planning work outside of the City.
Our client has seen a significant increase in the work they undertake for major infrastructure providers and are keen to speak to individuals who have both the passion and expertise in this area. There are great opportunities to work with truly talented lawyers at the top of their field across our offices.
To be successful in this role you'll need as a minimum:
- A legal qualification with 3+ years PQE (or equivalent) experience gained within a planning team.
- Knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990
- Experience of planning agreements
- Experience of highway agreements
- Ability to handle inquiries/examinations and judicial reviews relating to planning matters
- Knowledge and experience of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
You are confident in the technical advice you provide to colleagues and directly to clients, being able to consider and provide insightful and appropriate advice across a range of sectors. You appreciate what excellent client service looks like, and are accustomed to supporting less experienced members of the team to their technical, networking and interpersonal/team development skills. Being resilient to work under pressure by organising yourself effectively, you will be able to meet deadlines as needed. You will possess strong communication and rapport building skills and you are tenacious, thorough, and attentive to detail whilst appreciating the 'bigger picture' for your clients, taking pride in the high standards of your work.
You'll be a lawyer who is excited at the prospect of working in a busy and supportive environment. Business development is important for all lawyers, and you will be able to contribute to the growth of the team by assisting with the organisation of client events, writing articles for the firm’s website and other marketing activities.
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays and time off at Xmas
- Holiday buy & sell
- Wellbeing day
- Firm-wide bonus scheme
- CSR volunteering scheme
- Maternity and paternity leave & pay
- Shared parental leave & pay
- Flexible/hybrid working
- 5% contributory pension
- Private Medical Insurance
- Dental and cash health plans
- Eye care
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Employee wellbeing initiatives including menopause support
- Employee referral bonus
- Recognition awards
- Long service awards
- Savings club
- Elder/dependent care
- Flu jabs
- Digital GP
- Gym membership
- Cycle scheme
- Free fruit in offices
- Subsidised sports and events
- Travel loans and season tickets
If you would like to find out more information or have an informal chat, please contact Charlotte Ferguson, Recruitment Manager on 01392 712003 or via email at cferguson@cathedralappointments.co.uk