Planning Senior Associate

Planning Solicitor | 6+ PQE | BristolA leading UK independent law firm with a market reputation for planning and compulsory purchase work is looking for a 6+ PQE solicitor to join its Bristol team. The firm is consistently recognised as a top-tier planning practice, with particular depth in NSIPs, CPO, regeneration, renewable energy, and transport infrastructure.You will not be a junior observer on these matters. From the outset, you will be running discrete work streams, advising clients directly, and sitting alongside partners who are shaping national policy as much as they are advising on individual schemes.The Team The team is known for:Advising both public and private sector clients on the full development cycle: consenting strategy, legal challenges, implementationLeading on complex infrastructure projects, including NSIPs, highways, and major regenerationDeep CPO expertise for councils, developers and acquiring authoritiesA collaborative, open culture where senior lawyers are genuinely approachableThe RoleRun your own matters on a varied caseload: development consent orders, planning agreements, compulsory purchase orders, judicial review, and strategic land adviceWork alongside partners who are recognised leaders in the field, you will have real client exposure and early responsibilityContribute to cross-disciplinary projects, working with energy, real estate and environmental colleagues on multi-faceted transactionsDevelop sector knowledge in areas like renewables, nuclear, transport, or food and farmingWhat You Bring6+ PQE in planning law, with strong technical foundations and a desire to work on nationally significant mattersA pragmatic, solution-focused approach, you know how to advise on risk without killing a projectConfidence to communicate directly with clients and counselThe FirmA large, independent UK firm An all-equity partnership and lockstep model that reinforces collaboration, not internal competitionConsistently named as one of the best law firms to work at in the UK, praised for approachability, openness, and genuine teamworkHybrid working, clear career pathways, and a broad benefits packageWhy This Makes Sense This role offers the latter. Top-tier work. A collaborative, high-trust culture. And Bristol, which gives you City-quality matters without London hours.If you want to build a planning career around genuinely significant infrastructure and development work, this is the move.Apply now or contact Harrison for a confidential discussion.