Senior Associate – Planning – Cardiff – 7+ Years PQE

Overview

In this Senior Associate role within the Planning team, you will lead advising on planning and consenting matters for major infrastructure and energy projects. You join a market-leading Real Estate and Infrastructure practice and collaborate with specialists across the UK to support national projects. You will draft, negotiate, and manage complex planning documents while supervising junior lawyers and developing client relationships. Your work will span DCOs, SIPs, EIAs, compulsory purchases, and planning appeals, contributing to high-profile renewable energy and transport developments. This is an opportunity to shape planning strategies in a collaborative, growth-focused environment.

Pay / Benefits

• Flexible, agile, and hybrid working options
• Dental, healthcare, and wellbeing support
• Structured professional development, mentoring, and training programmes
• Opportunities for international and cross-functional work
• Pro bono and community engagement initiatives
• Retirement planning, insurance, and financial wellbeing support

Responsibilities

• Advising on planning and consenting matters (DCOs, SIPs, EIAs, compulsory purchase, planning agreements)
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating planning documentation and related agreements
• Managing complex projects from inception to completion
• Supporting clients at inquiries, hearings, and examinations
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships
• Contributing to business development and thought leadership in the planning sector
• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers to support their professional development

Key requirements

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 7+ years PQE in planning law or infrastructure consenting
• Experience advising on major infrastructure projects and/or renewable energy schemes
• Strong technical knowledge of planning legislation and regulatory frameworks
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills
• Ability to manage multiple matters and work under pressure
• Commercial awareness and a proactive, client-focused approach

• Client-focused
• Commercial awareness
• Ability to work under pressure
• Planning law expertise
• Drafting and negotiation of planning documentation
• DCOs, SIPs, EIAs

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