Planning Managing Associate

BCL Legal; Noordwes; Hybrid; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading national law firm is seeking a Planning Managing Associate to join its Planning & Infrastructure Consenting team. The role involves advising on high-profile infrastructure projects across the energy, transport, and water sectors. Candidates should be qualified solicitors with over 3 years of relevant experience, strong drafting skills, and the ability to engage with clients at all levels. The firm offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Strong investment in learning & development

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience in planning/infrastructure consenting required.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation necessary.
• Proactive with excellent communication and drafting skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise on Development Consent Orders for energy, transport, and water sectors.
• Draft and review statutory application documents, including environmental statements.
• Support public inquiries and provide public law advice.

Skills

Strong knowledge of infrastructure projects and related legislation

Commercial awareness with an interest in the energy and transport sectors

Excellent drafting skills

Confident communicator and stakeholder manager

Education

Qualified solicitor with 3+ years' relevant planning/infrastructure consenting experience

Job description

Planning - Managing Associate / Associate
Location: Leeds or Manchester

A leading national law firm is seeking an experienced Planning lawyer (Managing Associate / Associate level) to join its highly regarded Planning & Infrastructure Consenting team. With a strong pipeline of new mandates and continued growth in infrastructure work, this is an excellent opportunity to join a high-performing practice and play a key role in major UK projects.

The Opportunity

You'll work as part of a nationally recognised Planning & Infrastructure team, advising on a wide range of infrastructure projects across the energy, transport, and water sectors. The team has seen significant growth in recent years and is currently advising on high-profile projects covering electricity transmission, carbon capture, solar, battery storage, ports, airports, and both light and heavy rail.

This is a chance to join a collaborative group of planning specialists and take on high-quality, complex work with leading operators and investors across the UK.

The Role

You can expect to advise on a variety of matters including:

Development Consent Orders in the energy, transport, and water sectors (for promoters and objectors)

Transport and Works Act Orders for rail and light rail projects

Harbour orders, marine licences, and harbour works approvals

Strategic advice on project consents, route selection, and consultations

Drafting and reviewing statutory application documents, environmental statements, and secondary legislation

Supporting public inquiries and examinations

Advising on land assembly strategies, compensation issues, and hybrid Bills

Public law advice on vires, exercise of powers, and administrative law principles

This role offers significant client contact, responsibility, and the opportunity to build strong sector expertise.

About You

Qualified solicitor with 3+ years' relevant planning/infrastructure consenting experience

Strong knowledge of infrastructure projects and related legislation

Commercially aware with an interest in the energy and transport sectors

Confident communicator and stakeholder manager, able to engage with clients and regulators at all levels

Excellent drafting skills and ability to deliver clear, practical advice

Ambitious, proactive, and enthusiastic about developing your skills and profile within a growing practice

What's on Offer

Exposure to cutting-edge infrastructure projects of national significance

A supportive and collaborative environment with excellent career progression

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package

Hybrid working and strong investment in learning & development

This is a rare opportunity to join a market-leading Planning & Infrastructure team with a strong track record of success and growth.