Solicitor – Planning & Environment – Bristol

Overview

In this Planning & Environment Solicitor role, you will advise on complex planning and environmental matters for national and international clients in energy, infrastructure and built environment projects. Based in Bristol, you’ll work closely with colleagues across offices, supporting major projects and NSIPs while developing your practice within a collaborative, high-performing team. You will handle EIA/Habitats work, compulsory purchase, planning appeals and judicial reviews, shaping outcomes for developers and public utilities. This role offers a clear path to progress within a multi-award career development program and a supportive culture.

Pay / Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Generous benefits package
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Strong investment in learning and development
• Supportive, collegiate team culture
• Opportunities to grow practitioner and sector expertise

Responsibilities

• Advise on a broad range of planning and environmental matters
• Support Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs)
• Advise on compulsory purchase and land rights for energy/infrastructure schemes
• Provide guidance on Environmental Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessments
• Draft and negotiate planning and infrastructure agreements
• Undertake planning appeal work and advocacy at hearings
• Advise on judicial reviews in High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court
• Support clients on compulsory purchase compensation claims
• Collaborate with developers, asset managers, investors and public utilities
• Work with the Energy Team across offices while maintaining high professional standards

Key requirements

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

• Strong communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Collaborative mindset
• Drafting and negotiation of planning and infrastructure agreements
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
• Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA)

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