Planning Senior Associate

Senior Associate - Planning & Compulsory Purchase

Work on the UK's Most Significant Infrastructure and Energy Projects

An opportunity has arisen for a talented and experienced Planning & Compulsory Purchase Senior Associate to join a top-tier national practice based in Bristol. This is a standout opportunity for a senior planning lawyer to join a specialist, high-performing team that operates independently of real estate and is recognised as a leader in its field.

This role offers exposure to some of the most high-profile development and infrastructure projects across the UK, as well as the chance to be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking environment that truly values professional development and work-life balance.

The Team

This market-leading planning and CPO team is consistently ranked in Tier 1 by both Legal 500 and Chambers, with a strong national reputation for excellence in the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. The team acts for a diverse mix of private and public sector clients, advising on the full lifecycle of major projects-from devising consenting strategy through to delivery and implementation.

Typical projects include nationally significant infrastructure such as offshore and onshore wind, solar, pumped hydro, nuclear, interconnectors, carbon capture, roads, rail, water and flood defence. The team is trusted with some of the most complex and politically sensitive mandates in the market.

Importantly, this is a standalone planning and CPO practice-not just a support function within a real estate group-giving you the chance to develop deep sector expertise and client relationships.

The Role
As a Senior Associate, you will:

• Lead and advise on complex, high-value planning and CPO matters across a broad range of UK-wide projects
• Deliver strategic legal guidance to clients navigating the planning and consenting process
• Take a lead role in mentoring and supporting junior team members
• Engage in client relationship management and business development activity
• Play a meaningful role in shaping the team's continued growth and national profile

What You'll Need

• Qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales or Scotland, with 6+ years' PQE in planning law
• Strong experience advising on major energy and infrastructure projects or large-scale developments
• Excellent communication and analytical skills, with the ability to manage complex project work
• A collaborative approach and an interest in leading and developing junior colleagues
• Commercial awareness and experience in supporting business development and client growth
• A self-motivated mindset, comfortable working both independently and as part of a larger team

Why This Role?

• Top-tier planning work - Engage in some of the most important infrastructure and clean energy projects in the UK
• Specialist environment - Join a nationally recognised team that leads on planning in its own right
• Structured progression - Benefit from a clear, transparent pathway for senior career development
• Flexible culture - Hybrid working and part-time options available, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing
• Award-winning workplace - Regularly recognised as one of the best firms to work for in the UK legal sector

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary, a transparent career progression framework, and a comprehensive benefits package, including up to 30 days' annual leave, private medical insurance, and a wide range of wellbeing, lifestyle, and financial perks.
The firm is proud of its inclusive working environment and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities. As a Disability Confident employer, it is committed to providing a fully accessible recruitment process and working environment.