Environmental & Planning Solicitor

VanRath; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in Belfast is seeking a Solicitor for its Environment & Planning team. This role offers exposure to high-profile projects and regulatory matters, supporting career development in a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates will be qualified solicitors with an interest in environmental law. The position allows for a hybrid working pattern, offering a competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working environment

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or eligible to qualify in Northern Ireland.
• Clear interest in environmental or planning law.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy team.

Responsibilities

• Advise on contentious and non-contentious environment and planning mandates.
• Draft, negotiate, and review agreements and regulatory submissions.
• Provide strategic advice on planning permissions and compliance.

Skills

Strong drafting skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Client-facing skills

Commercial mindset

Education

Qualified Solicitor in Northern Ireland

Job description

Solicitor - Environment & Planning

Location: Belfast
Working Pattern: Full‑time (hybrid/flexible arrangements available)

About the Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Environment & Planning team operating across Northern Ireland and Ireland. The team advises on some of the most complex and high‑profile environmental and planning matters – from large‑scale energy and infrastructure developments to contentious planning and regulatory issues.

The team is seeking either a Newly Qualified (NQ) Solicitor or a more experienced practitioner with a strong interest in environmental and planning law. This role offers exposure to challenging work and excellent career development within a supportive, high‑performing team environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on a variety of environment and planning mandates, both contentious and non‑contentious, including major infrastructure and renewable projects.
• Provide strategic advice on planning permissions, environmental impact assessments, regulatory compliance and enforcement actions.
• Draft, negotiate and review agreements, regulatory submissions and litigation documentation.
• Liaise with clients, regulatory bodies, counsel and other stakeholders to provide commercially focused legal advice.
• Collaborate across related practice areas (e.g., energy, infrastructure, real estate) on multi‑disciplinary transactions.
• Contribute to business development, client relationship building and team growth.

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

• Qualified Solicitor (or eligible to qualify) in Northern Ireland.
• Clear interest in environmental, planning or related regulatory law.
• Strong drafting, analytical, negotiation and client‑facing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high‑quality advice in a busy team environment.
• Proactive, commercial mindset with a collaborative approach.

Desirable (for experienced applicants):

• Exposure to environmental or planning matters (e.g., renewable developments, infrastructure, permitting, regulatory enforcement).
• Experience in contentious planning or environmental litigation.
• Knowledge of cross‑border or multi‑jurisdictional environment and planning law issues.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to join a leading Environment & Planning team working on high‑profile, complex mandates.
• Roles available for both junior (NQ) and experienced solicitors, reflecting the team's growth.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Modern, flexible working environment with hybrid options.
• Significant professional development, mentorship and exposure to impactful work.

Why This Role?

This is a unique chance to develop expertise in environment and planning law, working on major projects and regulatory matters that shape the business and infrastructure landscape in Northern Ireland. You will gain valuable experience, work alongside specialists and contribute to high‑profile and impactful work in a growing team.

For further information on this role, or any other legal opportunities in Belfast or Northern Ireland, please contact Ciaran Gallagher for a confidential discussion.