Senior Associate - Planning - Cardiff - 7+ Years PQE

Senior Associate - Planning - Cardiff - 7+ Years PQE

Location: Cardiff

Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time (with hybrid flexibility)

Salary: £75,000 to £95,000 (depending on experience)

A leading national law firm is seeking a Senior Associate with at least 7 years' PQE to join its highly regarded Planning team in Cardiff. This is an exciting opportunity to work on nationally significant infrastructure projects and complex planning matters for a diverse client base, including developers, utilities, energy companies, and public sector bodies.

The Role

You will play a key role within a market leading Real Estate and Infrastructure practice, working alongside a large team of experienced planning specialists. The team advises on all aspects of planning law, including:

• Development Consent Orders (DCOs) for major infrastructure projects
• Strategic Infrastructure Projects in Wales
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
• Compulsory purchase and land assembly
• Judicial reviews and planning appeals
• Strategic consenting advice across real estate, energy, transport, and utilities

You will collaborate with colleagues across the UK network and contribute to high profile projects in renewable energy, transport, major infrastructure, and real estate development.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising on a wide range of planning and consenting matters, including DCOs, SIPs, EIAs, compulsory purchase, and planning agreements
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating planning documentation and related agreements
• Managing complex projects from inception to completion
• Supporting clients at inquiries, hearings, and examinations
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships
• Contributing to business development and thought leadership in the planning sector
• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers, supporting their professional development

Skills and Experience

We are looking for:

• A qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 7+ years' PQE in planning law or infrastructure consenting
• Experience advising on major infrastructure projects and/or renewable energy schemes
• Strong technical knowledge of planning legislation and regulatory frameworks
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills
• Ability to manage multiple matters and work effectively under pressure
• Commercial awareness and a proactive, client focused approach

Benefits

The firm offers a comprehensive and forward thinking benefits package, including:

• Transparent and equitable reward structure
• Recognition for performance and contribution
• Flexible, agile, and hybrid working options
• Dental, healthcare, and wellbeing support
• Strong commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Structured professional development, mentoring, and training programmes
• Opportunities for international and cross functional work
• Pro bono and community engagement initiatives
• Retirement planning, insurance, and financial wellbeing support

How to Apply

If this opportunity sounds of interest or you'd like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:

Email: oliviareed@chadwicknott.co.uk

Phone: 0117 917 1515 / 07711 799761

The firm is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Adjustments to the recruitment process can be made to support individual needs.

At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.

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