Associate / Senior Associate (Planning) – 4+ PQE – Bristol

Overview

As an Associate/Senior Associate in the Planning & Infrastructure team, you will handle significant development work across England and Wales, advising developers, authorities, and energy-sector clients. You will engage in matters from strategy to delivery on nationally significant projects and renewable energy schemes. The role offers early responsibility, direct client exposure, and opportunities to shape high-profile planning outcomes. You will work with leading experts and contribute to business development and profile-raising in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible and modern ways of working
• early client contact and responsibility
• career progression and development
• wellbeing and inclusion initiatives
• opportunity to work on market-leading projects
• ESG and responsible business involvement

Responsibilities

• Advise on NSIPs and DNS projects
• Work on renewable energy developments (solar, battery storage, onshore wind, grid)
• Handle compulsory purchase and land assembly matters
• Manage Transport and Works Act Orders, including marine projects
• Draft and negotiate planning applications, strategies, and s106 agreements
• Contribute to CIL, LDC, and infrastructure agreements
• Support planning appeals, enforcement, and judicial reviews
• Engage in business development and client networking

Key requirements

• 4+ years PQE in planning law
• Experience at a national, regional, or reputable city firm
• Strong knowledge of planning and development matters
• Excellent drafting, analytical, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work autonomously
• Genuine interest in planning and infrastructure projects
• Experience advising on renewable energy, infrastructure, or compulsory purchase is advantageous

• strong drafting and analytical abilities
• high organization and prioritization
• autonomy and initiative
• planning law expertise
• development and infrastructure projects
• renewable energy regulatory knowledge

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