Associate Public Law, Environment & Planning

Overview

In this role, you will join the Public Law, Environment & Planning team in Cardiff to handle complex planning and public law matters affecting communities and infrastructure. You work closely with cross-functional teams to draft and negotiate infrastructure agreements, advise on regulatory challenges, and support due diligence and litigation preparations. The role blends transactional and contentious work with a focus on delivering high-quality advice under tight deadlines. You will be part of a collaborative culture that values development, sustainability, and client service, with hybrid working and opportunities to contribute to business development.

Pay / Benefits

• Structured learning and development pathways
• Inclusive culture with employee-led networks
• Private medical insurance and health assessments
• Generous pension and life assurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

Responsibilities

• Drafting and negotiating s106 agreements, s278/38 infrastructure agreements, and planning reports
• Advising on judicial reviews, statutory challenges, compulsory purchase matters, and highways issues
• Supporting real estate colleagues with due diligence and regulatory advice
• Preparing litigation documents including pre-action correspondence, pleadings, and trial bundles
• Monitoring critical dates and ensuring procedural compliance
• Contributing to multi-disciplinary projects and client development initiatives

Key requirements

• 2+ years PQE in planning law or related public law disciplines
• Strong drafting and analytical skills across transactional and contentious matters
• Confidence working with clients at all levels, including local authorities and developers
• Ability to manage deadlines and work under pressure
• Familiarity with case management systems and Microsoft Office

• client-facing communication
• time management under pressure
• team collaboration
• planning law
• public law
• drafting and negotiation

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