Description:
Pinsent Masons, a global top 100 law firm, is looking for a qualified consenting lawyer to join its market-leading Planning & Environment team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in consenting matters related to energy and infrastructure projects, with experience in major planning and environmental law frameworks.
The team is the largest dedicated planning practice in the UK, specializing in Energy, Infrastructure, and Real Estate. The successful candidate will work alongside experts handling some of the UK’s most high-profile projects across offshore wind, large-scale solar, carbon capture, nuclear, energy networks, interconnectors, pipelines, flood defense, transport, and water infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities:
- Advise on consenting and planning matters related to major energy and infrastructure projects.
- Provide legal guidance on the Electricity Act 1989, Planning Act 2008, Transport and Works Acts, harbour orders, compulsory acquisition, EIA/HRA assessments, judicial review, and more.
- Work on nationally significant projects such as offshore wind farms, pumped storage hydro schemes, reservoirs, transport infrastructure, and energy networks.
- Represent clients in inquiries, examinations, and judicial reviews.
- Collaborate with top-tier clients including SSE, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, bp, Orsted, EDF, National Highways, Thames Water, and more.
Notable Projects:
- Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm (4.1GW) – Advising SSE.
- ScotWind Offshore Leasing Round – Involvement in six offshore wind farms totaling 10GW+.
- Onshore Wind Applications – Advising RWE, Statkraft, Vattenfall, and others.
- Carbon Capture Projects – Legal support for BP, Drax, and Cory.
- Stonehenge Tunnel (£1.9bn A303 scheme) – Advising National Highways.
- Strategic Water Resource Projects – Advising Thames Water and Anglian Water.
Candidate Requirements:
- Minimum 3 years PQE in a leading regional or national practice.
- Strong academic background with expertise in planning, energy, and infrastructure law.
- Excellent technical knowledge, commercial awareness, and client-focused approach.
- Track record of business development and the ability to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment.
What We Offer:
- Work in a dynamic, market-leading team handling some of the UK’s most high-profile infrastructure projects.
- First-class training and career development, including one-on-one mentorship, career discussions, and appraisals.
- Early responsibility with opportunities to develop client relationships.
- The chance to work across Scotland, the UK, and internationally.
About Pinsent Masons:
Pinsent Masons is a top-ranked global law firm with over 3,800 employees across 28 locations worldwide. Recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, the firm has received numerous awards, including:
- Legal Business ‘Law Firm of the Year’
- FT’s Most Innovative Law Firm in Europe (three times in eight years)
- Stonewall’s Top Global Employer for LGBTQ+ Inclusion
- Top Ten Employer for Working Families (seven consecutive years)