Associate – Public Law, Environment & Planning, Cardiff

Overview

In this role you will join a leading national law firm’s Cardiff Public Law, Environment & Planning team to handle high-value planning matters across the UK. You will work on infrastructure, development, and public policy projects, supporting clients from the public and private sectors. The role combines drafting, litigation, and advisory work with visibility across the team and cross-office opportunities. You will thrive in a fast-evolving regulatory landscape, benefiting from strong training and career progression in a flexible, hybrid setting.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working
• training and development opportunities
• career progression
• competitive salary
• autonomy and flexibility

Responsibilities

• Advise on planning law matters for public and private sector clients
• Draft and negotiate s106 and s278/38 infrastructure agreements
• Support real estate teams with planning due diligence
• Advise on highways law, compulsory purchase, and general planning issues
• Handle judicial reviews and statutory challenges
• Prepare planning reports, court documents, and litigation bundles
• Manage deadlines and ensure procedural compliance

Key requirements

• 2+ years PQE in planning law or related public law matters
• Strong drafting and litigation skills
• Confidence working directly with clients (local authorities, developers)
• Commercial awareness and attention to detail
• Ability to manage deadlines and juggle priorities
• Willingness to travel to other offices when needed

• client-facing
• strong communication
• attention to detail
• planning law
• infrastructure agreements (s106, s278/38)
• planning due diligence

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