Associate Public Law, Environment & Planning – Cardiff

Ruth Wagstaff Recruitment Ltd; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical

Pension

Cycle to work

Life assurance

EAP

Job summary

Chadwick Nott, on behalf of a leading UK law firm, seeks an Associate for Public Law, Environment & Planning in Cardiff. Hybrid & flexible working available. Permanent, full-time role with a salary of £55,000 to £70,000 depending on experience.

The role centers on planning law and related public sector matters, offering a varied caseload and opportunities to contribute to development across Wales. Hybrid working and occasional travel are expected.

Qualifications

• 2+ years PQE in planning law or related public law.
• Strong drafting and analytical skills.
• Confident communicating with clients at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate s106 agreements, s278/38 infrastructure agreements, and planning reports.
• Advise on judicial reviews, statutory challenges, compulsory purchase, and highways issues.
• Support real estate colleagues with due diligence and regulatory advice.
• Prepare litigation documents including pre-action correspondence, pleadings and trial bundles.
• Monitor critical dates and ensure procedural compliance.

Skills

Planning law

Public law

Drafting

Job description

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Associate – Public Law, Environment & Planning – Cardiff – 2+ years PQE

Location: Cardiff Office (Hybrid & Flexible Working Available)
Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time
Salary: £55,000 to £70,000, dependent on experience

Chadwick Nott is recruiting on behalf of a leading UK law firm for an Associate to join their Insurance & Public Risk department, specifically within the Public Law, Environment & Planning team. Based in Cardiff, this is an excellent opportunity to work on complex planning and public law matters that directly impact communities, infrastructure, and development across Wales and beyond.

The Role

This position offers a varied and intellectually stimulating caseload focused on planning law and related public sector work. Responsibilities include:

• Drafting and negotiating s106 agreements, s278/38 infrastructure agreements, and planning reports
• Advising on judicial reviews, statutory challenges, compulsory purchase matters, and highways issues
• Supporting real estate colleagues with due diligence and regulatory advice
• Preparing litigation documents including pre-action correspondence, pleadings, and trial bundles
• Monitoring critical dates and ensuring procedural compliance

Contributing to multi-disciplinary projects and client development initiatives

Candidate Requirements

This role is suited to a planning-focused solicitor with:

• 2+ years PQE in planning law or related public law disciplines
• Strong drafting and analytical skills across transactional and contentious matters
• Confidence working with clients at all levels, including local authorities and developers
• Ability to manage deadlines and work under pressure
• Familiarity with case management systems and Microsoft Office

Attributes & Development

The successful candidate will:

• Take responsibility for their own caseload under supervision
• Support marketing and business development efforts, including seminars and publications
• Demonstrate a commitment to recording time accurately and meeting financial targets
• Show enthusiasm for personal development and continuous learning

Working Arrangements

The firm supports hybrid working and flexible arrangements to promote work-life balance. Occasional travel to other offices may be required.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary and bonus structure, the firm offers:

• Structured learning and development pathways
• Inclusive culture with employee-led networks
• Private medical insurance and health assessments
• Generous pension and life assurance
• Cycle to work scheme and Employee Assistance Programme
• Commitment to sustainability and community engagement

Job Tenure: Permanent and Full-Time
Salary: £55000 – £70000 per annum
Location: Cardiff,

Chadwick Nott is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion across the legal profession. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background. Where a level of experience is indicated, this is intended as a guideline only.

*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.*