Solicitor – Planning & Environment – Bristol

Overview

In this role you will advise on complex planning and environmental matters to support major energy, infrastructure and built environment projects. You will work within the Bristol Planning & Environment team and across offices to provide high-quality guidance to national and international clients. You will influence project delivery, from NSIPs and compulsory purchases to environmental assessments and planning appeals. The role offers opportunities to develop specialist expertise within a supportive, high-performing culture.

Pay / Benefits

• Hybrid working arrangements
• Generous benefits package
• Strong investment in learning and development
• Supportive team culture
• Opportunities to grow your own practice and sector expertise

Responsibilities

• Advise on the full range of planning and environmental issues
• Support NSIPs and energy/infrastructure schemes
• Draft and negotiate planning and infrastructure agreements
• Conduct planning appeals and advocacy at hearings
• Advise on judicial reviews in higher courts
• Assist with compulsory purchase compensation claims
• Collaborate with developers, asset managers, investors and public utilities
• Work with multidisciplinary Energy Team and maintain high professional standards

Key requirements

• Broad experience in planning matters (PQE 2–6 years, flexible)
• Interest or experience in energy and infrastructure development
• Strong drafting and technical knowledge
• Confident advising on complex planning issues and major projects
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Motivation, organisation and proactive mindset
• Ability to build lasting client relationships
• Commercial awareness and sector-focused enthusiasm
• Collaborative approach across cross-office teams

• Strong communication
• Collaboration
• Client relationship building
• Planning and environmental law
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
• Habitats Regulations Assessments

…