Infrastructure Planning / DCO lawyer (Contract)

Robert Walters; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in the United Kingdom is seeking a qualified solicitor with expertise in planning law to advise on major infrastructure projects. You will manage planning and consenting processes while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate has a minimum of three years post-qualification experience, strong negotiation skills, and a comprehensive understanding of related regulations. This position offers flexible working arrangements and a collaborative team environment.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Ongoing training opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• At least three years post-qualification experience in planning law.
• Expertise in advising on infrastructure projects and renewable energy.
• Understanding of the Planning Act 2008 and relevant environmental laws.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on planning and consenting processes for infrastructure projects.
• Draft and negotiate planning agreements and related documentation.
• Conduct due diligence on land acquisition and environmental regulations.
• Facilitate public consultations and stakeholder engagement.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on consenting strategies.

Skills

Planning law expertise

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Stakeholder engagement

Compliance knowledge

Education

Qualified solicitor with post-qualification experience

Job description

• Work directly with a key energy client on significant infrastructure projects, providing expert legal advice throughout the planning and consenting process.
• Join a collaborative team environment that values inclusivity, knowledge sharing, and professional growth through ongoing training opportunities.
• Benefit from flexible working arrangements within a forward‑thinking organisation committed to supporting both personal development and community engagement.

What you’ll do:

• Advise clients on all aspects of planning and consenting processes for major infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with national and local frameworks.
• Draft, review, and negotiate planning agreements, option agreements, and related documentation tailored to complex energy sector requirements.
• Conduct thorough due diligence on land acquisition matters, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory approvals to safeguard project success.
• Support clients through public consultations by facilitating stakeholder engagement sessions and preparing for planning inquiries.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including finance specialists, land rights experts, and technical consultants to develop robust consenting strategies.
• Monitor legislative developments in clean energy and aviation sectors to ensure clients remain compliant while identifying new opportunities for growth.
• Provide clear guidance on the Planning Act 2008 regime as it applies to renewable energy projects and other large‑scale infrastructure initiatives.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously by prioritising tasks effectively and maintaining a solutions‑focused approach under tight deadlines.
• Communicate complex legal concepts in an accessible manner to clients, colleagues, and external partners during negotiations or advisory sessions.

What you bring:

• Qualified solicitor with at least three years post‑qualification experience specialising in planning law within the UK jurisdiction.
• Demonstrated expertise advising on infrastructure or energy projects, experience in renewable or clean energy sectors is highly desirable.
• Comprehensive understanding of planning policy frameworks, environmental law principles, and consenting regimes under the Planning Act 2008.
• Proven ability to manage complex legal projects efficiently while maintaining attention to detail under time constraints.
• Exceptional drafting skills for agreements related to planning consents, land options, and regulatory documentation.
• Outstanding negotiation abilities coupled with excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Experience conducting due diligence on land acquisition issues as well as environmental impact assessments relevant to large‑scale developments.
• Capacity to monitor evolving legislation in clean energy or aviation sectors and translate these changes into practical advice for clients.
• Track record of working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to deliver successful outcomes for infrastructure projects.

What’s next:

Apply today by clicking on the link provided.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates