Planning Lawyer (2652)

Cathedrala appointments; Bristol; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

This prestigious UK firm is seeking a skilled Lawyer with a focus on Planning & Infrastructure to join their national team. The role offers a chance to work on high-profile projects while collaborating with talented lawyers. Candidates should have a legal qualification and significant experience in planning, among other requirements.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Private Medical Insurance

5% contributory pension

Maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave

Referral bonuses and long service awards

Qualifications

• 3+ years PQE in a planning team.
• Knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
• Experience with planning and highway agreements.

Responsibilities

• Handle inquiries and judicial reviews related to planning.
• Provide technical advice to clients and colleagues.
• Support less experienced team members.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Client-focused approach

Education

Legal qualification

Job description

We’re delighted to partner with this international UK Top 50 firm to recruit a Lawyer to work within their Planning & Infrastructure team. Whether it is offshore wind farms located 40 kilometres out to sea, major residential schemes including garden villages and regeneration, new rail and road projects, airport developments, or waste and mineral projects; our client is instructed on all of them.

Their national team offers clients a full spectrum of expertise and handles complex mandates in residential, commercial, infrastructure, environmental, and waste sectors, including contentious work in Judicial Review and Lands Chamber proceedings. The team prides itself on quality, commerciality, industry insight, and the talent and passion of their people, fostering lasting client relationships.

About You

Due to increased client demand and the complexity of projects, this role requires strong experience in planning, infrastructure, and environmental work, along with enthusiasm to support the team’s growth. You could work on large-scale development consent orders, compulsory acquisitions, strategic planning advice, environmental statement reviews, project management, and supporting the real estate practice. This role provides an excellent opportunity to work on premium planning projects outside of the City.

Our client seeks individuals with a passion and expertise in infrastructure projects. There are opportunities to collaborate with talented lawyers across offices.

Minimum requirements:

• A legal qualification with 3+ years PQE (or equivalent) in a planning team.
• Knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
• Experience with planning agreements and highway agreements.
• Ability to handle inquiries, examinations, and judicial reviews relating to planning.
• Knowledge of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).

You should confidently provide technical advice to colleagues and clients, supporting less experienced team members, and demonstrating resilience under pressure. Strong communication, rapport-building skills, attention to detail, and a client-focused approach are essential.

You will be excited to work in a busy, supportive environment, and contribute to business development through client events, articles, and marketing activities.

Benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays and Christmas time off
• Holiday buy & sell
• Maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave & pay
• 5% contributory pension
• Private Medical Insurance
• Dental, cash health plans, and eye care
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing initiatives
• Referral bonuses, recognition, and long service awards
• Savings club and elder/dependent care support
• Flu jabs, Digital GP, free fruit, subsidised sports and events, travel loans, and season tickets

If you would like more information or an informal chat, please contact Charlotte Ferguson, Recruitment Manager, at 01392 712003 or via email.