Senior Planning Lawyer (Environmental) - Bristol - 5+ PQE

Chadwick Nott; Bristol; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Minimum 25 days holiday

Discretionary bonus scheme

Generous pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Job summary

A leading national law firm is seeking a Senior Planning Lawyer with strong expertise in environmental planning to join its Real Estate Planning team in Bristol. The role involves leading environmental planning for significant infrastructure projects and advising on compliance. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years PQE in environmental planning and experience with large-scale projects. The firm offers a supportive culture, flexible hybrid working, and numerous benefits including generous holiday and a bonus scheme.

Qualifications

• 5+ years PQE within a planning or environmental planning team.
• Experience advising on large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience leading legal reviews of EIAs.

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental planning work for nationally significant infrastructure projects.
• Advise on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) strategy and documentation.
• Review SEA/HRA and manage environmental risk.

Skills

Strong technical expertise in environmental planning

5+ years PQE in planning or environmental planning

Experience advising on large-scale infrastructure projects

Proven experience leading legal reviews of EIAs

Strong communication skills

Job description

Senior Planning Lawyer (Environmental) - Bristol - 5+ PQE

Location: Bristol (hybrid working available)

Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time

Salary: £70,000 - £100,000 (dependent on experience)

A leading national law firm is seeking a Senior Planning Lawyer with strong environmental planning expertise to join its highly regarded Real Estate Planning team in Bristol. The team is known for advising on some of the UK's most ambitious and nationally significant developments – including offshore wind farms, major transport schemes, new garden villages, regeneration projects, and complex waste and minerals developments.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading environmental planning work for nationally significant infrastructure projects
• Advising on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) strategy and documentation
• Reviewing SEA/HRA and managing environmental risk
• Securing environmental outcomes through conditions and s106 agreements (including BNG and nutrient neutrality)
• Shaping and supporting DCO/NSIP applications, examinations and stakeholder engagement
• Managing environmental issues in appeals and Judicial Review proceedings
• Working closely with a market‑leading energy and infrastructure practice
• Supporting the wider team's growth and development

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will bring strong technical expertise and hands‑on experience in environmental planning. Key requirements include:

• 5+ years PQE within a planning or environmental planning team
• Experience advising on large‑scale infrastructure projects
• Proven experience leading legal reviews of EIAs
• Knowledge of habitat regulations and assessment processes
• Broader experience across consenting regimes such as DCOs, TWAOs, HROs and planning permissions
• Sector experience in transport (rail/light rail) and energy (renewables, transmission) is advantageous
• Confident understanding of the NPPF and current planning reforms
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a national team

Working Environment

The firm offers an open, supportive and people‑focused culture. Colleagues value the collaborative environment, emphasis on wellbeing, and genuine commitment to maintaining a healthy work‑life balance.

Hybrid Working

A flexible hybrid model is available, shaped around client and team needs. Alternative working patterns can be discussed.

Learning, Development & Progression

• Tailored training and development programmes
• Opportunities to work alongside leading specialists in planning and infrastructure
• Clear progression pathways supported through structured review processes

Wellbeing

• Commitment to the Mindful Business Charter
• A dedicated wellbeing programme with events and resources
• Access to confidential support services

Benefits

• Minimum 25 days holiday (with option to buy additional days)
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Generous pension scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Biennial private health assessments
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work scheme

Responsible Business

The firm is committed to community engagement, environmental sustainability and supporting local initiatives. It is proudly carbon neutral and actively involved in pro bono work and charitable projects.

How to Apply

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact: Olivia Reed

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone]

At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.