Associate - Planning and Environmental (2755)

Cathedrala appointments; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable law firm in Exeter is seeking an experienced Associate to join its Planning and Environmental team. You will provide expert advice on environmental matters and support business development initiatives in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate has over 6 years' experience in environmental law and possesses strong communication and client relationship skills. This role offers competitive compensation and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Career development opportunities

Focus on diversity and employee wellbeing

Qualifications

• 6+ years’ post‑qualification experience in environmental law required.
• Proven ability to manage complex matters independently.
• Professional gravitas is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on environmental, regulatory and compliance matters.
• Undertake environmental due diligence for corporate and real estate transactions.
• Support business development initiatives.

Skills

Environmental law knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Client relationship management

Attention to detail

Commercial awareness

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Job description

Competitive Salary DOE | Hybrid | Exeter

An established and respected law firm with a strong national and international presence is seeking an Associate to join its Planning and Environmental team in Exeter. The firm is recognised for its forward‑thinking approach, commitment to ESG principles, and dedication to fostering equity, diversity and inclusion across its workforce. With a collaborative culture and a strong reputation across Corporate, Real Estate, Construction, and Public Sector work, this is a place where talented professionals thrive.

The Role

This role offers an exceptional opportunity to join a highly regarded environmental law practice, working alongside senior experts on a variety of contentious and non‑contentious environmental matters. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting clients across multiple sectors, while also helping to develop and grow the firm’s environmental offering within the region.

Key Responsibilities of the Associate

• Provide expert advice on environmental, regulatory and compliance matters across diverse sectors.
• Undertake environmental due diligence in support of corporate and real estate transactions.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring a consistently high standard of service delivery.
• Contribute to business development initiatives and support the training and mentoring of junior team members.

Requirements of the Associate

• Qualified Solicitor, ideally with 6+ years’ post‑qualification experience in environmental law.
• Strong technical legal knowledge with excellent attention to detail and commercial awareness.
• Proven ability to manage complex matters independently and deliver practical, strategic advice.
• Excellent communication, organisational and client‑facing skills, with professional gravitas.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work alongside leading specialists in a supportive, ambitious environment.
• Access to structured career development and mentorship opportunities.
• A workplace that genuinely values diversity, sustainability and employee wellbeing.

This is a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a respected and growing environmental law practice.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your legal career, apply now to join a firm where your expertise helps shape the future of environmental law.

Note on Sponsorship

We regret to inform you that at this time, we are unable to offer sponsorship for work authorisation for this role. Therefore, candidates must possess valid authorisation to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship.

Recruitment Consultant : Clodagh Murphy

Reference : 10578