Associate/Senior Associate - Planning & Environmental

Michelmores; Bristol; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent law firm in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Associate or Senior Associate for Planning and Environmental law in Bristol. The successful candidate will advise on planning agreements, manage environmental issues, and deliver high-quality legal advice. This role requires strong communication skills and 2-5 years of relevant experience. A flexible working approach is encouraged, supporting work-life balance. Competitive compensation is offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in Planning and Environmental law for 2-5 years.
• Excellent client care skills and ability to build strong relationships.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise on planning and infrastructure agreements.
• Draft and negotiate section 106s and conservation covenants.
• Liaise with local authorities and stakeholders.

Skills

Planning law

Environmental law

Client care

Written communication

Verbal communication

Time management

Problem-solving

Education

2-5 years post-qualified experience

Job description

Associate/Senior Associate - Planning & Environmenttal

Join to apply for the Associate/Senior Associate - Planning & Environmenttal role at Michelmores.

Recruitment Business Partner at Michelmores LLP

Are you keen to find an exciting new role where you will be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking, agile team? If so, come and join us on the journey.

Why Michelmores?

Michelmores is the destination law firm for the ambitious, the imaginative and the distinctive. We help enterprises and individuals navigate change to find a positive future.

We are a flexible, friendly and inclusive organisation with a clear focus on fresh thinking as well as growth and success. We value and nurture people’s potential and inspiration, giving them a creative, open, and collaborative environment in which to develop a career and succeed.

We believe that whatever your legal experience, you’ll find Michelmores different.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a talented and motivated Planning and Environmental Lawyer to join our team. This role could be at Associate or Senior Associate level and will be ideal for someone with a strong interest in planning law and environmental matters. It can be based from either our Bristol, Cheltenham or Exeter offices.

Key responsibilities

• Advising on planning and infrastructure agreements, including Section 106 agreements and related obligations for development matters, many of which are significant strategic land projects.
• Drafting and negotiating section 106s, conservation covenants and other environmental agreements to deliver landscape recovery, BNG and nutrient neutrality.
• Acting on historic building matters.
• Interpreting and advising on planning permissions and associated conditions.
• Providing clear, concise and commercially focused advice to clients.
• Preparing high-quality written work, including reports, agreements and client communications.
• Supporting senior lawyers on major projects and managing smaller matters independently.
• Liaising with local authorities, developers and stakeholders to facilitate project delivery.
• Delivering prompt advice on environmental offences and other environmental issues and identifying potential risks in the course of your other work. May also support the defence of clients in enforcement action.
• Preparing for and submitting all types of appeal and both judicial reviews and statutory challenges. For inquiries and court challenges, working with barristers and often the wider internal team in taking the matter through the appeal or court process.

Qualifications

• Between 2–5 years post-qualified experience in Planning and Environmental law.
• Excellent client care skills and ability to build strong relationships.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Commercial awareness and both a problem-solving and inquisitive mindset.
• Collaborative team player with a proactive approach.

How do we work?

We take a flexible, agile approach to working patterns. As a team we agree together on the best working arrangements that will enable each of us to provide exceptional client service, to collaborate and connect with colleagues, and to achieve the right home/work balance.

As a Firm we are committed to supporting our people across all levels to achieve the balance they need. We are open to talking about flexible working and to empowering any candidate to put forward a flexible working pattern to meet their needs.

Next Steps

To apply please click here or if you would like to talk to someone about the role, please call Lisa Gater, Recruitment Business Partner, on 07355 677 986.

Equal Opportunities

Michelmores LLP is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We do not discriminate on grounds of race, gender, marital status, age, religion, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, disability or sexual orientation in the selection, recruitment and treatment of our staff.

Agency Policy

*No agencies please – any agency assistance will be via invitation only. Please note any speculative candidates submitted via agencies without invitation will not be considered as represented by that agent.

As part of our recruitment policy our candidates are subject to pre-employment screening checks. The Employee Screening Process includes DBS screening, adverse media checks, financial screening, and will also involve verification of employment history, your right to work in the UK and any relevant qualifications and memberships.