Planning Lawyer (3-6 PQE)

Reference: 4819837Job ID: 5409124Posted: 2026-08-10Closing date: 2026-11-07Location: Southampton/Bristol (Flexible)Salary: 55,000 - 63,000 (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full time / Flexible workingIndustry: Legal / Private PracticeCompany: HaysConsultant: Leila MansonHays office: Bristol — 2nd Floor, 3 Temple Quay, Temple Back EastPhone: 01173746300Email: View email address on click.appcast.io new firm Our client is a highly regarded UK law firm with a strong reputation for advising on complex planning, infrastructure and development projects. Ranked in the leading legal directories, the firm is known for its collaborative culture, technical excellence and commercially focused approach. With a growing national Planning & Environmental practice, the firm advises developers, landowners, investors, infrastructure providers and public sector bodies on a broad range of high-profile projects across the UK.Your new role This is an exciting opportunity for a Planning Associate or Senior Associate to join a well-established and growing Planning & Environmental team. The role offers exposure to a varied mix of planning and infrastructure matters, including nationally significant infrastructure projects, major development schemes and regeneration projects across a range of sectors. You will advise clients on Development Consent Orders (DCOs) and other infrastructure consenting regimes, as well as a broad range of Town and Country Planning Act matters, including planning applications, appeals, planning strategy and development delivery. The role will also involve negotiating planning and infrastructure agreements, providing planning support on real estate, corporate and infrastructure transactions, and working closely with colleagues across other practice areas to deliver practical and commercially focused advice. Alongside client work, you will play an active role in business development, helping to strengthen existing client relationships and raise the profile of the team in the market. There will also be opportunities to mentor and support junior lawyers as part of a collaborative and supportive team environment. What you'll need to succeed You will be a qualified solicitor with approximately 3-6 years' PQE in planning law, although candidates outside of this range with the relevant expertise are encouraged to apply. The firm is particularly interested in candidates with experience advising on Development Consent Orders, infrastructure consenting regimes and complex planning matters relating to major projects and development schemes. Experience within the energy, transport, utilities, regeneration or wider infrastructure sectors would be advantageous, as would exposure to environmental law matters, although this is not essential. You should possess strong technical and drafting skills, a commercial and pragmatic approach to problem solving, and excellent communication skills. The successful candidate will enjoy building client relationships, contributing to business development initiatives and working collaboratively within a high-performing team. What you'll get in return In return, you will join a nationally recognised team undertaking high-quality and often market-leading planning and infrastructure work. The firm offers a competitive salary and benefits package, hybrid working arrangements, genuine opportunities for progression, and the chance to work alongside recognised experts in the field. This is an excellent opportunity for a planning lawyer seeking exposure to complex infrastructure and development projects while continuing to develop their career within a supportive and ambitious environment. What you need to do now If you are interested in this opportunity or would like to discuss it in more detail, please get in touch for a confidential conversation. If this role is not quite right for you but you are considering a move within Planning, Infrastructure, Environmental or Real Estate law, I would be delighted to discuss other opportunities currently available. We would expect a lawyer with the stated PQE to have developed the appropriate level of experience; however, applications from individuals with more or less experience are equally welcome. #4819837 - Leila Manson