About the job
Rutherford is partnered with a leading UK law firm renowned for its integrated expertise across environmental, planning, and real estate law.
The firm is seeking an experienced Environmental Associate (5+ PQE) to join its growing national team, advising public authorities, developers, and investors on managing environmental risk, sustainability strategy, and regulatory compliance.
You’ll work alongside market-leading partners and specialists in planning, ESG, and infrastructure, contributing to some of the UK’s most innovative regeneration and sustainability-focused projects.
Key responsibilities
* Advise clients on environmental risk and compliance, including contaminated land, pollution control, waste management, air and water quality, and biodiversity net gain.
* Support major development and infrastructure projects, guiding clients through Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), permitting, and enforcement.
* Help shape climate and sustainability strategies, from decarbonisation and energy transition to ESG governance.
* Draft and negotiate environmental provisions in real estate, corporate, and infrastructure transactions, ensuring effective risk allocation.
* Work closely with specialists across planning, construction, and governance to provide joined up, commercially focused advice.
* Build trusted relationships with local authorities, housing providers, and developers on projects that deliver both commercial and social value.
What you’ll bring
* Strong experience advising on complex environmental and sustainability issues within a development, infrastructure, or regulatory context.
* Proven ability to translate technical regulation into clear, practical guidance for a wide range of stakeholders.
* Excellent drafting, analytical, and communication skills, with a focus on actionable, risk-aware advice.
* A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for working across disciplines and sectors.
* A genuine interest in sustainability, ESG, and helping clients achieve measurable environmental impact.
Why join
This is an opportunity to be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team that sits at the intersection of law, sustainability, and development. You’ll gain exposure to the full lifecycle of environmental and regeneration projects, from strategy and compliance through to delivery and governance.
The firm’s commitment to ESG, sustainability, and social value means your work will have visible, lasting impact, helping clients navigate complex regulation while driving meaningful environmental change.
The ideal candidate will be a commercially astute legal professional with 5 + PQE in environmental law. They will combine deep technical expertise with a passion for sustainability, a collaborative mindset, and a proven ability to deliver pragmatic, client-focused advice across complex development and infrastructure projects.
If this sounds like the right next step for you, get in touch in confidence to find out more.
Please apply on the link or reach out directly via email - pascale@rutherfordsearch.com, or call - 020 3778 2207.