Environmental (Regulatory/Compliance) Managing Associate (6+PQE) Bristol/Any office

Freeths; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm is seeking an Environmental (Regulatory/Compliance) Managing Associate with over six years of PQE. The role, based in Bristol, involves advising on waste regulation, defending enforcement actions, and managing compliance obligations. Candidates should demonstrate a passion for environmental law and possess strong collaborative skills. This full-time position offers a dynamic environment and the opportunity to work within a multi-disciplinary team focused on environmental issues.

Qualifications

• Over six years of post‑qualification experience as an Environmental Solicitor.
• Enthusiasm and passion for environmental law.
• Ability to work in a collaborative and inclusive manner.

Responsibilities

• Advise on waste regulation and environmental permitting.
• Defend enforcement action and train on risk management.
• Support regulatory work in real estate and environmental permitting.
• Work on litigation concerning contaminated land and emissions.
• Manage compliance and environmental obligations.

Skills

Environmental law knowledge

Waste regulation expertise

Crisis and risk management

Collaborative approach

Education

Qualified Solicitor with 6+ years PQE

Job description

Environmental (Regulatory/Compliance) Managing Associate (6+PQE) Bristol/Any office

Join Freeths as an Environmental (Regulatory/Compliance) Managing Associate. The role is based in Bristol or other Freeths offices, requiring over six years of post‑qualification experience (PQE).

The Team

The Planning and Environment Group is a multi‑disciplinary team of planning lawyers, environmental lawyers and planning consultants covering all development sectors. The group combines deep expertise and a pragmatic, commercial approach to navigate and manage the planning process from proposal inception to advocacy, ensuring the best outcomes for clients.

Specialist areas include natural environment, biodiversity, sustainability, environmental permitting, circular economy, contaminated land, waste, water regulation, climate‑change, and regulatory defence. The group collaborates closely with Freeths’ commercial, corporate and real‑estate lawyers to support national practices in clean energy, waste and development.

The Role

We seek a qualified Environmental Solicitor with approximately 6 years PQE to work alongside Partner Ben Derrington, a highly regarded lawyer in the Legal 500 (2025) and Chambers & Porter (2025).

Key responsibilities include:

• Advising on waste regulation, including end‑of‑waste matters and environmental permitting of waste operations.
• Defending enforcement action and providing training on crisis and risk management.
• Supporting regulatory and corporate transaction work in real estate and environmental permitting.
• Working on contaminated land, emissions, pollution, and waste‑related litigation.
• Managing compliance, risk and environmental information obligations.

We value enthusiasm, passion for environmental law and a collaborative, inclusive attitude.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Law Practice