Location: Leeds, Manchester, or London
Work Type: Full Time
Department: Real Estate – Planning & Infrastructure Consenting
Contract Type: Permanent
Purpose of the Role
A top-tier law firm is seeking a talented Managing Associate or Associate with a focus on infrastructure consenting to join its Planning & Infrastructure Consenting Team. This is an exciting opportunity to work on high-profile projects across the energy, transport, and water sectors, advising on nationally significant infrastructure developments and contributing to the UK’s transition to low-carbon energy.
You’ll join a team of market-recognised specialists, gaining exposure to major projects, policy development, and end-to-end infrastructure delivery while benefiting from strong support, structured career development, and cross-office collaboration.
The Team
Based within the firm’s Real Estate Group, the Planning and Infrastructure Consenting Team operates nationally from London, Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, comprising 15 lawyers (including 6 Partners) plus paralegals and trainees.
The team advises leading operators across energy transmission, carbon capture, solar, battery storage, gas, ports, rail, and aviation, delivering complex planning and consenting solutions. It plays a key role in the firm’s Transport and Energy sector groups, shaping national policy on automation, sustainability, and decarbonisation.
What to Expect in This Role
You will work with partners and senior lawyers on a range of complex planning and consenting mandates, including:
* Advising on Development Consent Orders (DCOs) and Transport and Works Act Orders.
* Advising on harbour orders, marine licences, and harbour works approvals.
* Providing strategic advice on project consents, route selection, and consultation processes.
* Drafting secondary legislation and reviewing environmental statements.
* Supporting public inquiries and examinations.
* Advising on land assembly, compensation, hybrid Bills, and public law issues.
You’ll have the opportunity to take on significant responsibility, manage client relationships, and help deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects.
Skills and Experience
* Qualified solicitor (minimum 3 years’ experience) with a proven track record in infrastructure planning and consenting.
* Strong understanding of planning law and energy/transport sector policy.
* Commercial awareness of political and environmental developments, such as biodiversity net gain (BNG) and natural capital.
* Excellent drafting, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
* Calm, organised, and proactive under pressure.
* Enthusiastic about professional growth and contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team.
About the Firm
The firm offers a collegiate and inclusive culture, where lawyers are supported to reach their potential through mentoring, learning, and leadership opportunities. Known for technical excellence and deep sector expertise, the firm acts for FTSE 100 and major public sector clients, delivering insight and innovation across every project.
Diversity, inclusion, and individuality are actively celebrated through dedicated employee networks and firmwide initiatives.