Planning & Infrastructure Lawyer - Associate - 1PQE+, Edinburgh or GlasgowPURPOSE OF THE ROLE
As part of our on-going growth strategy, we are looking for an Associate to join our top-tier high performing Planning & Infrastructure Consenting team in Scotland, to help service their ever growing range of new and high-profile client instructions across the energy and utilities, real estate and transport sectors. The role can be based in either or Edinburgh or Glasgow offices. Working closely with our Scottish based team, led by Partner Sarah Baillie, you’ll become part of a wider team of named experts and will manage a diverse caseload of both contentious and non-contentious planning matters. You’ll have the support and structure to develop your career.
THE TEAM
*The team has top rankings in Legal 500 and Chambers as a team and individually for Planning, Energy, Real Estate, Projects, Local Government and Transport in Scotland and across the UK.
*Its work is of excellent quality, that is varied and involves providing comprehensive advice to developers, energy & utility companies, infrastructure promoters, central and local government, public bodies, funds, asset managers, operators and financial institutions on innovative, complex instructions, which are frequently in the headlines.
*The team works closely with Real Estate colleagues on a range of high-value and complex development and transactional mandates across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
*It has also seen major growth in the volume and quality of its infrastructure consenting work and is advising on a large number of high-profile promotions relating to electricity transmission, carbon capture, on and offshore wind, battery storage and gas distribution, as well as ports, airports and light and heavy rail.
*The firm has a very strong sectoral focus in the Real Estate, Energy and Transport Sectors and is at the forefront of policy development in those sectors. There will be further opportunity to work across the firm within those Sectors on a range of high-value and complex consenting mandates as part of our end to end planning and infrastructure delivery practice.
*As this shows, the team has a fantastic variety of work. It’s not just big ticket, high pressure transactions - we also do a whole range of smaller matters, providing a great arena for NQs to mid-level associates to gain experience in a supportive environment. There is an opportunity to specialise, or gain experience in, many different areas.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS ROLE
*Working on matters that shape the natural and built environment and contribute to the UK’s economic, net zero and sustainability goals.
*Opportunity to advise private and public sector clients on a diverse range of planning, consenting, compulsory purchase, net zero, sustainability and environmental matters across all of our key sectors, as well as continuing to build on the expertise you will have developed to date in sectors you have a particular interest in.
*Advising on planning law and consenting regimes, including the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, s36s, Development Consent Orders, Transport and Works Act Orders, Harbour Orders, Marine Licences, Roads Orders and Compulsory Purchase Orders
*Working closely with colleagues in real estate, projects, corporate, banking and finance, advising on planning risk, strategy and due diligence for transactions - a great grounding for junior-level lawyers on hugely relevant and dynamic topics.
*Contribute to the delivery of strategic advice and working with large, multi-disciplinary teams on major projects developing your skills in project management and stakeholder engagement.
*Reviewing application documents including support on environmental impact assessments (EIA), biodiversity, habitats, permitting and licensing matters, working at the forefront of sustainability and regulated process issues.
*Advising on Section 75 / 106 planning obligations and related infrastructure agreements, developing both drafting and negotiation skills.
*Supporting planning appeals, inquiries and hearings, including those before the DPEA and Energy Consents Unit as well as statutory appeals and judicial reviews before the Court of Session and Supreme Courts.
*You will work with partners and other senior lawyers in the team and can expect to have significant levels of responsibility. You will be expected to work collaboratively as part of a cohesive team, to execute large-scale, high-value, client matters to the highest standard.
*Working closely with existing and potential clients to maintain and develop relationships, acting as a trusted advisor capable of providing timely and quality advice whilst managing expectations. This role offers the opportunity to also contribute to business development activities.
*The role also offers outstanding career prospects within an expanding, dynamic and sociable team. Our market leading Associate development programme will help you map out key objectives and timescales for your career progression and provide you with a mentor and frequent check-ins.
YOUR AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE
*You will be a Scots law qualified lawyer or perhaps also dual qualified in England and Wales, ideally NQ-3yrs PQE, with experience of advising on planning and infrastructure consenting matters.
*Applications from public sector, dispute resolution or real estate lawyers who are open to broadening their practice are welcome. You may also have experience of working in-house including energy companies or government.
*Understanding of the planning process in Scotland and ideally the wider UK, including knowledge of statutory consents processes, appeals and legal challenges (experience supporting on these matters is desirable).
*Have an aptitude for understanding the political context in which planning decisions and infrastructure delivery takes place and keeping abreast of changes in planning and consenting legislation, such as BNG and natural capital.
*Have an enthusiasm for the Real Estate, Energy & Utility and Transport sectors and their transformative effect and importance in relation to economic growth, climate change reduction and adaptation.
*Adopt a consultative and thorough approach to tasks.
*Be a confident stakeholder manager, with evidenced experience of engaging with internal and external stakeholders of all levels.
*Maintain efficient diary and task management across a range matters, maintain the accuracy and levels of client service expected within a high performing team.
*Be confident in drafting clear and legally effective documents, which reflect the client’s instructions.
*Remain calm and optimistic in time sensitive situations or under pressure.
*Be enthusiastic about the development of your legal skill set and continuous learning.
*Work closely with...