Associate / Senior Associate - Planning - Exeter

Chadwick Nott - South West and South Wales; Exeter; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Chadwick Nott is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate to join its Planning & Environmental team in Exeter. The role involves advising on planning, infrastructure, development projects and related transactions for developers, landowners and public sector clients.

Based in Exeter, you will handle complex planning matters, support Development Consent Orders, and contribute to business development within a leading national practice recognised for its planning work.

Qualifications

• Strong planning law experience gained within private practice.
• Experience advising on infrastructure, regeneration or development projects.
• Excellent technical, drafting and communication skills.
• A commercial mindset and practical approach to problem-solving.
• The ability to manage client relationships and work collaboratively within a team.

Responsibilities

• Advising on complex planning and development matters.
• Supporting clients on Development Consent Orders and other infrastructure consenting processes.
• Handling planning applications, appeals and wider development delivery work.
• Negotiating planning-related agreements, including Section 106 and highways agreements.
• Providing planning input on real estate, energy and corporate transactions.
• Building strong client relationships and contributing to business development initiatives.
• Working closely with colleagues across property, infrastructure and energy teams.

Skills

Planning law

Client management

Team collaboration

Drafting skills

Infrastructure experience

Development projects

Communication

Job description

Associate / Senior Associate - Planning - Exeter

A leading UK law firm is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate to join its established Planning & Environmental team in Exeter. This is a fantastic opportunity to work on a varied mix of planning and infrastructure matters for major developers, landowners, investors, energy businesses and public sector clients. The team is recognised by both Chambers and Legal 500 and continues to advise on some of the UK's most significant development and infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Advising on complex planning and development matters.
• Supporting clients on Development Consent Orders and other infrastructure consenting processes.
• Handling planning applications, appeals and wider development delivery work.
• Negotiating planning-related agreements, including Section 106 and highways agreements.
• Providing planning input on real estate, energy and corporate transactions.
• Building strong client relationships and contributing to business development initiatives.
• Working closely with colleagues across property, infrastructure and energy teams.

Candidate Requirements

• Around 3-6 years' PQE, although candidates with relevant experience outside this range will be considered.
• Strong planning law experience gained within private practice.
• Experience advising on infrastructure, regeneration or development projects.
• A strong understanding of Town and Country Planning matters.
• Excellent technical, drafting and communication skills.
• A commercial mindset and practical approach to problem-solving.
• The ability to manage client relationships and work collaboratively within a team.

Experience in the energy, transport, utilities or infrastructure sectors would be advantageous.

Why Join?

• Join a highly regarded, growing planning practice with a strong national reputation.
• Work on market-leading development, infrastructure and regeneration projects.
• Enjoy a supportive, collaborative culture with genuine opportunities for progression.
• Benefit from high levels of client exposure and responsibility from day one.
• Access a competitive salary, bonus structure, flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package.

This role would suit an ambitious planning lawyer looking to develop their career within a progressive and well-respected firm while enjoying the lifestyle and quality of work that Exeter offers.

*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.*