Associate / Senior Associate Planning and Environmental

Associate / Senior Associate

• Term: Permanent
• Working Hours: Full-time (35 hours / Mon to Fri; Part-time will be considered)
• Department: Planning and Environmental
• Location: Sevenoaks
• PQE: 5 years +

Join a UK Top 50 law firm with a heritage spanning over 150 years, as an Associate / Senior Associate in our Planning and Environmental Team. This role offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for an ambitious, driven, and forward-thinking lawyer to contribute to a growing department recognised for its expertise.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Provide high-level legal support to an allocated group of fee earners and the wider team.
• Manage a diverse caseload of planning and environmental work, focusing on delivering high-quality planning advice to local planning authority, housebuilder, and development clients.
• Engage in business development activities to promote the firm and expand the area of work.
• Work collaboratively with the leadership team on system changes, workflow, and process improvements.
• Participate in marketing and client relationship-building efforts to attract new clients and maintain high levels of client satisfaction.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5+ years PQE, ideally gained within a regional, national, or City firm.
• Well-developed knowledge in Planning, Environmental, and Compulsory Purchase law.
• Experience in managing significant responsibilities and a complex caseload.
• Proven track record in business development and client relationship management.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a flexible approach to meet client needs.
• Active involvement in marketing and business development with the ability to build good relationships with local referrers.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• 25 days holiday (FTE), increasing to 30 days for Senior Associates, plus Bank Holidays.
• Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years of continuous service.
• Private Healthcare - BUPA (after 6 months’ probation).
• Scottish Widows Pension Scheme.
• Staff Profit Share / Salary sacrifice options.
• Paid CSR day and enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave.
• Subsidised gym membership and Electric Car scheme.
• Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance.
• Agile Working Policy and Dress for your Day Policy.

To apply for this Associate / Senior Associate position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role.