Infrastructure Legal Counsel: DCO, Planning & Land

East West Railway Company; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 12% pension contribution

36 days annual leave

Volunteering days

Life assurance 4x salary

Employee Assistance Programme

Perkbox access

Advanced learning & development

Job summary

East West Railway Company is seeking a skilled solicitor to join their in-house Legal team. You will advise on land, planning, and environmental matters within an NSIP framework, and you will work across DCO, consents and governance to support delivery and engagement with landowners and public bodies.

The role requires clear, practical advice, ownership of complex matters, and collaboration with delivery teams to mitigate risk and drive timely decisions.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.
• Experience on major infrastructure projects.
• Experience with planning, planning consents, land acquisition and environmental/public law.
• Ability to take ownership, assess risk and give practical recommendations.
• Strong communication for non-lawyers and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical, risk-based legal advice across DCO, planning, land and property workstreams.
• Advise on land matters including compulsory purchase and land access.
• Advise on planning, environmental and regulatory issues for the programme.
• Coordinate with delivery teams to identify legal risks early.
• Instruct and manage external advisers to ensure value for money.
• Develop guidance and processes to improve programme delivery.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

Skills

Legal analysis

Stakeholder management

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Solicitor/Barrister qualification (England & Wales)

Tools

Instruct external advisers

Job description

East West Railway Company is seeking a skilled solicitor to join their in-house Legal team. You will advise on land, planning, and environmental matters within an NSIP framework, and you will work across DCO, consents and governance to support delivery and engagement with landowners and public bodies.

The role requires clear, practical advice, ownership of complex matters, and collaboration with delivery teams to mitigate risk and drive timely decisions.