Solicitor - Planning & Environment - Bristol

Chadwick Nott; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

Career development

Supportive team

Job summary

Chadwick Nott is seeking a Planning & Environment Associate to join its Bristol team. Based in Bristol with hybrid flexibility, you will advise on planning matters across energy and infrastructure projects for national and international clients.

The role emphasises complex drafting, strong client communication and a collaborative team environment. The successful applicant will have 2–6 years PQE in planning and environment work, excellent drafting skills, and a proactive, commercially aware

Qualifications

• Experience across a broad range of planning matters (PQE 2-6 years, flexible).
• Strong interest or experience in energy and infrastructure development work.
• Excellent technical knowledge and drafting skills.
• Confidence advising on complex planning issues and major projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Motivation, organisation and a proactive mindset.
• Ability to build lasting client relationships.
• Commercial awareness and enthusiasm for sector-focused work.

Responsibilities

• Advising on a broad range of planning and environmental matters.
• Supporting NSIPs and energy/infrastructure schemes.
• Drafting and negotiating planning and infrastructure agreements.
• Undertaking planning appeal work and expert advocacy.
• Advising on judicial reviews in higher courts.
• Collaborating with developers, asset managers and utilities.

Skills

Planning & Environment

Drafting skills

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Client relationship building

Job description

Solicitor - Planning & Environment - Bristol

Location: Bristol | Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time (with hybrid flexibility) | Salary: £65,000 to £90,000

A highly regarded national law firm is seeking a Planning & Environment Associate to join its leading Planning and Environment team. Based in Bristol, you will work closely with colleagues across the Bristol offices, supporting national and international clients on major energy, infrastructure and built environment projects. This role is predominantly planning focused and offers an exceptional platform to develop your career within a supportive, collegiate and high performing team.

The Role

You'll be responsible for advising on a broad range of complex planning and environmental matters, including:

• Supporting Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs)
• Advising on compulsory purchase and land rights for energy and infrastructure schemes
• Providing guidance on Environmental Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessments
• Drafting and negotiating planning and infrastructure agreements
• Undertaking planning appeal work, including advocacy at hearings
• Advising on judicial reviews in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court
• Supporting clients on compulsory purchase compensation claims
• Working closely with developers, asset managers, investors and public utilities
• Collaborating with the wider multi-disciplinary Energy Team
• Maintaining high professional standards and compliance

Candidate Requirements

This role is suited to a motivated Planning & Environment Associate with:

• Experience across a broad range of planning matters (PQE guide: 2-6 years, but flexible)
• Strong interest or experience in energy and infrastructure development work
• Excellent technical knowledge and drafting skills
• Confidence advising on complex planning issues and major projects
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Motivation, organisation and a proactive mindset
• Ability to build lasting client relationships
• Commercial awareness and enthusiasm for sector focused work
• A collaborative, team focused approach within a cross office environment

Career Development

The firm offers a multi award winning career development programme, providing:

• Clear expectations and structured progression pathways
• High quality work with early responsibility and client exposure

• Thorough assessment and individual feedback
• Robust technical training and tailored skills development
• Reward based on contribution, progression and potential

Benefits

• Competitive salary and generous benefits package
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Strong investment in learning and development
• Supportive, collegiate and friendly team culture
• Opportunities to grow your own practice and sector expertise

How to Apply

If this opportunity sounds of interest or you'd like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:

Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]

The firm is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Adjustments to the recruitment process can be made to support individual needs. 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.