Associate - Public Law, Environment & Planning, Cardiff

Chadwick Nott - South West and South Wales; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable law firm in Cardiff seeks an Associate with over 2 years PQE in Public Law, Environment & Planning. You'll advise clients on planning law, manage litigation, and work on significant infrastructure projects. The role offers a competitive salary between £50,000 and £70,000 and includes hybrid working options. Ideal candidates possess strong drafting skills and the ability to manage deadlines. This position promises autonomy and career progression within a respected team.

Benefits

Excellent training opportunities

Hybrid working environment

Clear progression path

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Advise on planning law matters including infrastructure agreements.
• Support real estate teams with planning due diligence.
• Handle judicial reviews and statutory challenges.

Skills

Drafting skills

Litigation skills

Commercial awareness

Client communication

Deadline management

Job description

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.