Planning Senior​/Principal Associate

BCL Legal is delighted to be assisting a leading international law firm in its search for a Senior or Principal Associate to join its highly regarded Planning team in Birmingham. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning solicitor to work on some of the UK's most high‑profile energy and infrastructure projects within a market‑leading national practice.

Joining one of the UK's largest planning teams, you will work alongside recognised specialists advising major clients on complex planning, consenting and environmental matters. The role will focus predominantly on energy and infrastructure projects, including nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) and major development schemes.

• Advise on complex consenting strategies under the Planning Act 2008, Transport and Works Act 1992, and Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
• Support Development Consent Order (DCO) applications and other major planning and infrastructure consents.
• Advise on compulsory acquisition, environmental impact assessments (EIA) and habitats regulations assessments (HRA).
• Assist clients with planning inquiries, examinations and judicial reviews.
• Work on significant projects across offshore wind, solar, nuclear, carbon capture and storage, water, airports, roads, ports and transport infrastructure.
• Develop strong client relationships, contribute to business development and build your profile within the market.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the firm's wider Energy, Infrastructure and Property practices.

This opportunity would suit an England & Wales qualified planning solicitor with at least 6 years' post-qualification experience, gained within a large regional or national law firm, and a strong background in infrastructure planning and consenting.

• Strong technical expertise in planning law, infrastructure consenting and nationally significant projects.
• Experience advising on DCOs and NSIPs, alongside compulsory acquisition and environmental assessment matters.
• A commercially minded, client-focused approach and the ability to deliver practical, strategic advice.
• A proactive attitude towards business development, networking and developing client relationships.
• Excellent communication and team working skills, with the confidence to take responsibility for complex matters.
• A genuine interest in the energy and infrastructure sectors and a desire to contribute to the continued growth of a leading practice.

• Market-leading work:
  Join one of the UK's largest planning teams and advise on nationally significant energy and infrastructure projects.
• High-calibre clients:
  Work with major developers, energy companies, transport organisations and other leading infrastructure clients.
• Career progression:
  Benefit from structured development, early responsibility and the opportunity to progress your career within a major international firm.
• Collaborative culture:
  Work alongside respected specialists in a supportive, inclusive and commercially focused environment.
• Sector-leading expertise:
  Build your experience at the forefront of the UK's evolving energy transition and infrastructure development landscape.
• Flexible working:
  Benefit from a modern working environment, hybrid flexibility and a competitive benefits package.

If you are an experienced planning lawyer looking to take the next step in your career, this is an outstanding opportunity to join a highly regarded team working on some of the most significant energy and infrastructure projects in the UK.