Our national planning practice is widely regarded as one of the best in the UK.

Rated by Chambers as a national leading practice for planning and infrastructure, and with our Bristol office noted as having an "Exceptional regional (planning) practice" ranked 1 in the South West, the team operates as part of a nationwide specialist practice.

Our clients include commercial developers in the energy, residential, transport, waste, manufacturing and retail sectors as well as many local authorities.

What work does the Planning team do?

Our national team of over 25 fee earners offers clients a full-spectrum of expertise and handles a range of complex mandates in the residential, commercial and infrastructure  and environmental and waste sectors, as well as contentious work in Judicial Review and Lands Chamber proceedings. 

This will be to work in our Bristol office.  We're currently undergoing a complete refurb in our office which will complement the panoramic Bristol views we're lucky to have. 

What work would I be doing?

First and foremost you should have a passion for working in a truly dynamic team which is advising on some of the most iconic developments in the UK. Whether it is off shore wind farms located 40 kilometres out to sea and other energy projects, major residential schemes including garden villages and regeneration, new rail and road projects, airport developments, waste and mineral projects; we are instructed on all of them.

Your academic qualifications and experience in planning should be good but we are a team that places a huge emphasis on training, provided you are prepared to work hard.  You'll be trained on large scale development consent orders, compulsory acquisition and strategic planning advice, reviewing environmental statements, assisting with project management and supporting our national real estate practice. The role offers an unrivalled opportunity to work on a wide range of premium level planning work outside of the City and is pivotal to supporting the team's continued success. 

What experience are you looking for?

Due to the growth in our work as well as the variety and complexity of the projects we are looking for newly qualified/ early career candidates who have some experience in planning, infrastructure and environmental work or with an enormous appetite to learn and improve their legal  skills.

Ideally you should have a strong academic background but a familiarity and interest in planning and infrastructure work is essential. We've seen a significant increase in the work we undertake for major infrastructure providers and would like to hear from you if you have both the passion and expertise to join a growing team.  There are great opportunities to work with truly talented lawyers at the top of their field across our offices.

What opportunities are there for me?

This is an excellent opportunity to further your career in a highly acclaimed practice.  We have a clear approach to lawyer career development and this is a team with demonstrable success in developing the careers of our Solicitors into Associates, Managing Associates and beyond.

Our Planning team are passionate about what they do and need like-minded individuals who have a true interest and commitment in building a career with us and our clients in planning, regeneration and infrastructure.  You'll be joining a team with ambitious plans for growth.

In addition, through our D&I practices and programmes we work hard to ensure that difference is visibly valued and welcomed. Visit our D&I page to find out more.

And that's not all, alongside a competitive salary you'll receive a flexible benefits package so you can pick and choose

How do I apply?

If you think this is the role for you, why not get in touch to find out more; my name is Sara Casey and you can contact me on 0117 989 6559, by email sara.casey@wbd-uk.com or connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-casey-87459b32/ (No agencies please we are an in-house recruitment team).   If you're already sold, then please apply via the link the below.

If this isn't the role for you (or the right time) why not connect with me on LinkedIn or follow us on Twitter (@WBD_CareersUK) to keep up to date with all of our opportunities.  We also have a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/womblebonddickinsoncareers/).