Planning Solicitor

Yorkshire Pie Company; Manchester; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-performing international law firm is seeking a Planning Associate in Manchester, Leeds, or London. This role offers the chance to work on significant infrastructure projects and is ideal for a qualified Solicitor with over 3 years of planning law experience. You’ll advise on Development Consent Orders and collaborate closely with clients and partners. The firm is known for career development and has a strong commitment to training. Apply if you're proactive and ready for a challenging yet rewarding role.

Benefits

Structured career progression

Ongoing investment in training and development

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• Proven background in planning law focused on infrastructure consenting.
• Experience with Development Consent Orders (DCOs) and Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAOs).
• Interest in energy and transport sectors' role in net zero transition.

Responsibilities

• Advise on Development Consent Orders (DCOs) in various sectors.
• Support public inquiries and statutory consultations.
• Draft secondary legislation and application documentation.

Skills

Planning law expertise

Stakeholder engagement

Organizational skills

Public law knowledge

Collaborative working style

Education

Qualified Solicitor (minimum 3+ years PQE)

Job description

Planning Associate – Manchester, Leeds or London

I’m currently working with a high-performing International law firm to recruit an experienced Managing Associate or Senior Associate to join its well‑established Planning & Infrastructure Consenting team. This opportunity sits within a Legal 500‑ranked Real Estate group, offering some of the most complex and high‑profile infrastructure consenting work in the UK.

With significant new client mandates across the energy, transport and utilities sectors, the team is expanding and looking for a strong infrastructure‑focused planning lawyer to join the team in either its Leeds, Manchester, or London office.

Why This Role?

• Join a nationally recognised team working across major UK infrastructure projects, including carbon capture, battery storage, energy transmission, ports, rail and airports
• Work as part of an end‑to‑end infrastructure delivery practice, collaborating with sector specialists across Energy, Transport and Environment
• Take on complex and career‑defining consenting work, with direct exposure to Development Consent Orders (DCOs), Transport and Works Act Orders and major national infrastructure projects
• Be part of a growing and supportive team, with a reputation for people development, structured career progression and ongoing investment in training and development

About the Team:

This national team of infrastructure consenting specialists sits within the wider Real Estate Group, spanning multiple UK offices. The team includes Lawyers at all levels, with several highly regarded partners and recognised experts in the field. Its client base includes some of the UK’s most significant operators in the energy, transportation and water sectors.

What You’ll Be Doing:

You will work across a varied portfolio of major infrastructure and consenting work, including:

• Advising on Development Consent Orders (DCOs) in the energy, transport and water sectors
• Working on Transport and Works Act Orders, harbour orders and marine licensing matters
• Supporting with public inquiries, examinations and statutory consultations
• Advising on route selection, environmental assessments and strategic land assembly issues
• Drafting and reviewing secondary legislation and application documentation
• Providing public law advice on administrative law and the exercise of statutory powers
• You’ll work closely with both partners and clients, with early responsibility and a clear path to develop your profile and specialism

What We’re Looking For:

• A qualified Solicitor (minimum 3+ years PQE) with a proven background in planning law with a focus on infrastructure consenting
• Experience advising on DCOs, TWAOs and/or related public law issues
• A strong interest in the energy and transport sectors and their evolving role in the transition to net zero
• Confidence engaging with stakeholders and clients at all levels
• A proactive, organised and consultative working style with a collaborative mindset

If this sounds like the right role for you, apply today by clicking the apply button. If you would like to ask a question, please call George Beard at G2 Legal today.