Job Description Planning Managing Associate Location : Leeds Salary : £55,000 to £80,000 plus bonus (dependent on experience) Experience : 3 years’ PQE If you’re an infrastructure consenting lawyer looking for high-quality work and real responsibility, this is a strong opportunity to join a planning and infrastructure consenting team in Leeds. You’ll work on a varied pipeline of infrastructure matters, support clients through complex consenting processes, and develop your expertise within a collaborative, supportive environment. The Opportunity This role offers a broad mix of infrastructure consenting work, with scope to take ownership of key workstreams, build client relationships and contribute to team growth. Advise on Development Consent Orders across the energy, transport and water sectors Advise on Transport and Works Act Orders for rail and light rail projects Support on harbour orders, marine licences and harbour works approvals Provide strategic advice on consents required for projects Advise on optioneering, route selection and consultation strategy Review application documents, including environmental statements Draft supporting documentation and assist with examinations and public inquiries Advise on land assembly strategy and compensation issues Support on public law issues relevant to infrastructure delivery About You Essential Qualified solicitor in England and Wales 3 years’ PQE with relevant infrastructure consenting experience Strong technical knowledge of planning law and infrastructure consenting Experience advising on Development Consent Orders Experience with at least one of: Transport and Works Act Orders, harbour orders, marine licences, or harbour works approvals Confident drafting skills and strong attention to detail Strong organisation and ability to manage competing priorities Confident stakeholder management and a client-focused approach Commercial, pragmatic mindset and ability to remain calm under pressure Desirable Experience advising both promoters and objectors Experience with hybrid Bills Experience advising on projects in energy, transport and/or utilities Experience supporting public inquiries and examinations Experience advising on land assembly and compensation What’s On Offer Salary of £55,000 to £80,000 plus bonus (dependent on experience) Bonus scheme High-quality infrastructure consenting work with strong responsibility Supportive environment with training, mentoring and structured development Clear progression pathway Collaborative culture and access to wider full-service support About Our Client Our client is a large, full-service law firm with a strong planning and infrastructure capability and a collaborative culture. The team advises on complex consenting mandates and is known for combining technical excellence with a practical, solutions-led approach. Location & Working Arrangements Leeds. Next Steps Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information. All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.