Senior Associate

The Opportunity
We are looking for a Senior Associate with at least 7 years’ post-qualification experience to join our 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.

Our Team
The Planning team is part of Eversheds Sutherland’s market-leading Real Estate and Infrastructure practice, formed of 10 Partners, 4 Legal Directors, 4 Principal Associates, 4 Senior Associates, 5 Associates and 9 other legal roles. Together, 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 for real estate, energy, transport, and utilities sectors

In this role, you will work closely with experienced lawyers across the UK network and have the opportunity to contribute to high-profile projects in renewable energy, transport, major infrastructure and real estate development.

Key Responsibilities
–    Advise on a wide range of planning and consenting matters, including DCOs, SIPs EIAs, compulsory purchase, and planning agreements. 
–    Draft, review, and negotiate planning documentation and related agreements. 
–    Manage complex projects from start to finish, ensuring deadlines and client expectations are met. 
–    Supporting clients at inquiries, hearings, and examinations. 
–    Build and maintain strong client relationships through excellent service delivery. 
–    Contribute to business development initiatives and thought leadership in the planning sector. 
–    Supervise and mentor junior lawyers within the team, providing guidance and support to aid their development.

Skills and Experience
We are looking for:

–    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 related regulatory frameworks. 
–    Excellent drafting and negotiation skills. 
–    Ability to manage multiple matters and work under pressure. 
–    Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to client service. 

What’s in it for you?
At Eversheds Sutherland, we provide benefits focused on looking after you: your development, your performance, your financial future and your health, as well as providing the opportunity to make a contribution to the world.

–    We’re fair, transparent and equitable
–    We share in the success of the firm, reward alignment to our values, going above and beyond and your individual performance
–    We support flexible ways of working through our remote working policy and commitment to flexible, agile and hybrid ways of working
–    We support your health and performance through our dental, healthcare and wellness support
–    We support everything you are and all you bring through our powerful commitment to diversity and inclusion
–    We provide a platform for your career, whatever your ambitions through our structured professional and personal training, mentoring and development programs
–    We provide experience and opportunity through international and cross-function exposure
–    We provide an opportunity to give back through our pro bono work and community engagement
–    We help you plan ahead through retirement planning, insurance and assurance