Solicitor - Planning & Environment - Bristol
Location: Bristol
Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time (with hybrid flexibility)
Salary: £65,000 to £90,000
A highly regarded national law firm is seeking a Planning & Environment Associate to join its leading Planning and Environment team. Based in Bristol, you will work closely with colleagues across the Bristol offices, supporting national and international clients on major energy, infrastructure and built environment projects. This role is predominantly planning focused and offers an exceptional platform to develop your career within a supportive, collegiate and high performing team.
The Role
You'll be responsible for advising on a broad range of complex planning and environmental matters, including:
- Supporting Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs)
- Advising on compulsory purchase and land rights for energy and infrastructure schemes
- Providing guidance on Environmental Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessments
- Drafting and negotiating planning and infrastructure agreements
- Undertaking planning appeal work, including advocacy at hearings
- Advising on judicial reviews in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court
- Supporting clients on compulsory purchase compensation claims
- Working closely with developers, asset managers, investors and public utilities
- Collaborating with the wider multi disciplinary Energy Team
- Maintaining high professional standards and compliance
Candidate Requirements
This role is suited to a motivated Planning & Environment Associate with:
- Experience across a broad range of planning matters (PQE guide: 2-6 years, but flexible)
- Strong interest or experience in energy and infrastructure development work
- Excellent technical knowledge and drafting skills
- Confidence advising on complex planning issues and major projects
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Motivation, organisation and a proactive mindset
- Ability to build lasting client relationships
- Commercial awareness and enthusiasm for sector focused work
- A collaborative, team focused approach within a cross office environment
Career Development
The firm offers a multi award winning career development programme, providing:
- Clear expectations and structured progression pathways
- High quality work with early responsibility and client exposure
- Thorough assessment and individual feedback
- Robust technical training and tailored skills development
- Reward based on contribution, progression and potential
Benefits
The firm offers:
- Competitive salary and generous benefits package
- Hybrid working arrangements
- Strong investment in learning and development
- Supportive, collegiate and friendly team culture
- Opportunities to grow your own practice and sector expertise
How to Apply
If this opportunity sounds of interest or you'd like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:
Email: oliviareed@chadwicknott.co.uk
Phone: 0117 917 1515 / 07711 799761
The firm is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Adjustments to the recruitment process can be made to support individual needs.
*At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.*
