Associate - Public Law, Environment & Planning, Cardiff

Chadwick Nott; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading national law firm in Cardiff is seeking an Associate specializing in Public Law, Environment & Planning with over 2 years of PQE. You will work on significant planning matters and infrastructure projects. The firm offers a hybrid working model and a competitive salary range of £50,000 to £70,000, depending on experience. Strong drafting and litigation skills, along with client management abilities, are essential for this role.

Benefits

Excellent training and development opportunities

Competitive salary

Hybrid working environment

Qualifications

• 2+ years PQE in planning law or related public law matters.
• Confidence working directly with clients, including local authorities and developers.
• Ability to manage deadlines and juggle competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Advise public and private sector clients on planning law matters.
• Draft and negotiate infrastructure agreements.
• Prepare planning reports and court documents.

Skills

Strong drafting skills

Litigation skills

Commercial awareness

Attention to detail

Client management

Job description

Overview

Associate - Public Law, Environment & Planning - Cardiff - 2+ PQE

Location: Cardiff (Hybrid)

Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time

Salary: £50,000 - £70,000 (dependent on experience)

Chadwick Nott is recruiting for a 2+ PQE Associate to join a leading national law firm\'s Public Law, Environment & Planning team in Cardiff. This is a standout opportunity for a lawyer who wants to work on complex, high-value planning matters that influence infrastructure, development, and public policy across the UK.

You\'ll be part of a firm with a strong reputation in the public sector, known for delivering commercially focused advice in a fast-evolving regulatory landscape. The Cardiff office offers access to national clients and high-profile projects, with a culture that supports autonomy, flexibility, and career progression.

The Role

You\'ll advise public and private sector clients on a broad range of planning law matters, including:

• Drafting and negotiating s106 and s278/38 infrastructure agreements
• Supporting real estate teams with planning due diligence
• Advising on highways law, compulsory purchase, and general planning issues
• Handling judicial reviews and statutory challenges
• Preparing planning reports, court documents, and litigation bundles
• Managing deadlines and ensuring procedural compliance

This is a hands-on role with real responsibility and visibility across the firm\'s wider public law offering.

What You\'ll Bring

• 2+ years PQE in planning law or related public law matters
• Strong drafting and litigation skills
• Confidence working directly with clients, including local authorities and developers
• Commercial awareness and attention to detail
• Ability to manage deadlines and juggle competing priorities
• Willingness to travel to other offices when needed

Why Join

• Work on nationally significant planning and infrastructure projects
• Be part of a team respected for its technical expertise and strategic thinking
• Access excellent training and development opportunities
• Enjoy hybrid working and a culture that values autonomy and flexibility
• Competitive salary between £50,000 and £70,000, with a clear progression path

Contact

To discuss this opportunity in confidence, please contact:

[e-mail]

0117 917 1515 / 07711 799761

Olivia Reed | LinkedIn

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.*