We are instructed on an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning and infrastructure lawyer to join a high-performing national team. Due to a strong pipeline of high-profile mandates, the team is looking to appoint an Associate, Senior Associate or equivalent, with a particular focus on infrastructure consenting.
This role can be based in Leeds or Manchester, with close collaboration across the firm’s offices nationally.
The Team
The planning team sits within a large Real Estate platform and operates nationally across multiple UK locations. The team is made up of a strong mix of partners, senior lawyers, associates and trainees, and is recognised for the quality, scale and complexity of its work.
A key focus of the practice is advising on nationally significant infrastructure projects, particularly within the energy, transport and utilities sectors. The team is closely involved in major UK infrastructure programmes and is frequently engaged at the earliest stages of project development.
The Work
You will advise on a wide range of complex and strategically important infrastructure matters, including:
- Development Consent Orders across the energy, transport and water sectors, acting for both promoters and objectors
- Transport and Works Act Orders for rail and light rail schemes
- Harbour orders, marine licensing and related approvals
- Strategic consenting advice, including optioneering and route selection
- Statutory and non-statutory consultation processes
- Reviewing and advising on environmental statements and application documents
- Drafting secondary legislation and supporting hybrid Bills
- Advising at examinations, inquiries and hearings
- Public law and administrative law issues arising from infrastructure delivery
- Land assembly strategies, compulsory purchase and compensation matters
You will work closely with partners and senior colleagues and can expect a high degree of responsibility, visibility and client contact.
Sector Focus
The team has a particularly strong reputation in transport and energy, advising on projects involving electricity transmission, renewable energy, carbon capture, battery storage, gas distribution, ports, airports and rail. It is also actively involved in policy-shaping work linked to decarbonisation, alternative fuels and future transport systems.
About You
You are likely to:
- Be a qualified solicitor with 3+ years’ relevant experience in planning and/or infrastructure consenting
- Have hands-on experience advising on major infrastructure or energy projects
- Understand the political and regulatory context surrounding infrastructure delivery
- Be confident engaging with clients, consultants, public bodies and other stakeholders
- Draft clearly, accurately and commercially under time pressure
- Enjoy working in fast-moving, high-profile environments
- Take a proactive, consultative approach to client service and relationship development
Why This Role Stands Out
- High-profile, nationally significant infrastructure work
- A genuinely national team with deep sector expertise
- Strong emphasis on people development, with structured support from HR, learning and delivery teams
- Clear progression opportunities within a growing practice
- A collaborative, inclusive and forward-looking culture
- The chance to work at the forefront of the UK’s energy transition and transport transformation
Apply Now
If you are an infrastructure-focused planning lawyer looking to step into a role with real responsibility, visibility and long-term career prospects, we would be pleased to discuss this opportunity in confidence. Please contact Jon Kennedy on 07376 288 737 or via jon.kennedy@ardentrecruit.com