Senior Associate Lawyer

Description:

Pinsent Masons LLP is seeking a highly experienced Environment Senior Associate (7+ PQE) to join their market-leading environmental practice. This role can be based at any of the firm’s offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, or Birmingham. The successful candidate will work on both contentious and non-contentious environmental and regulatory matters across the UK, supporting clients in energy, infrastructure, and real estate sectors.

The Environment team sits within the largest dedicated Planning & Environment team in the UK and works with high-profile clients such as bp, Drax, Balfour Beatty, and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The team handles regulatory, transactional, enforcement, and development-related environmental work.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic environmental legal advice and handle contractual drafting/negotiation.

• Engage in environmental litigation and enforcement work including regulatory investigations and civil penalty responses.

• Advise clients on environmental permitting, contaminated land, waste management, carbon trading, biodiversity net gain, and natural capital.

• Support major energy and infrastructure projects including hydrogen, CCUS, renewables, and water resources.

• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including corporate, planning, property, and finance groups.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified solicitor with 7+ years PQE in environmental law.

• Strong background in both contentious and non-contentious environmental law.

• Preferably from a large regional or national law firm.

• Excellent academic credentials with a commercial mindset and client-facing approach.

• Strong interest in business development, team leadership, and mentoring junior lawyers.

• Ability to manage complex, high-value legal work independently.

What the Firm Offers

• A market-leading, globally recognized law firm with an inclusive and supportive work environment.

• Career development programs, regular performance reviews, and sector-specific training.

• Early responsibility and active involvement in client relationship management.

• Work with award-winning teams and a highly regarded environmental practice.

• Recognition for diversity, inclusion, and sustainability in the legal sector.