Associate/Sr Associate - Planning & Environmental - 2-5 PQE

Chadwick Nott; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected national law firm is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate with 2-5 years of PQE to join its specialist Planning & Environmental team in Exeter. This role involves advising on significant development projects and managing planning agreements. Ideal candidates will have strong drafting skills, excellent communication, and experience in planning law. The firm offers a flexible work environment, opportunities for career progression, and a collaborative culture.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Supportive team culture

Career progression pathways

Structured skills development

Diverse project opportunities

Qualifications

• 2-5 years' PQE in Planning and Environmental law.
• Strong technical knowledge and drafting skills.
• Excellent communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Advising on planning and infrastructure agreements.
• Drafting and negotiating Section 106s and environmental agreements.
• Preparing high quality written work, including reports and client communications.

Skills

Planning and Environmental law

Technical knowledge and drafting skills

Excellent written and verbal communication

Managing multiple matters and deadlines

Commercial awareness

Problem solving mindset

Building client relationships

Collaborative and adaptable approach

Job description

Associate / Senior Associate - Planning & Environmental - 2-5 Years PQE

Location: Exeter

Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time (with hybrid flexibility)

Salary: £60,000 to £80,000 (DOE)

A respected national law firm is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate with 2-5 years' PQE to join its specialist Planning & Environmental team. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a dynamic, forward thinking Real Estate practice, advising on high profile development, natural capital, energy, housebuilder and landed estates projects.

The Role

• Advising on planning and infrastructure agreements, including Section 106 agreements
• Drafting and negotiating Section 106s, conservation covenants and environmental agreements (BNG, nutrient neutrality, landscape recovery)
• Acting on historic building matters
• Interpreting and advising on planning permissions and associated conditions
• 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 key stakeholders
• Advising on environmental offences and enforcement matters, including support with PACE interviews
• Preparing and submitting appeals, judicial reviews and statutory challenges, working closely with barristers and internal teams
• This role offers exposure to complex, high value matters and the opportunity to develop specialist expertise within a supportive and collaborative team.

Candidate Requirements

This role is suited to a qualified solicitor with:

• 2-5 years' PQE in Planning and Environmental law
• Strong technical knowledge and drafting skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Confidence managing multiple matters and deadlines
• Strong commercial awareness and a problem solving mindset
• Ability to build trusted client relationships
• A collaborative, proactive and adaptable approach

Benefits

• A flexible, agile working environment
• A supportive and collaborative team culture
• Clear career progression pathways
• Access to structured skills development and training
• Opportunities to work across major projects and diverse sectors

How to Apply

If this opportunity sounds of interest or you'd like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone]

The firm is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Adjustments to the recruitment process can be made to support individual needs.

*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.*