New - our client is a leading Legal 100 firm with an impressive reputation for all planning & environmental related matters. Due to growth, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious Planning & Environment Solicitor / Associate (1 PQE) to join their growing team based in the Thames Valley. You will work on a broad range of matters, ranging in complexity, and will be expected to work on your own case load and assist the partner and team head. The firm are regularly instructed by landowners, property developers, charities, education providers, property investors, and financiers, businesses of all shapes and sizes and private individuals on a wide range of planning and environmental matters, including S106 Agreements, planning legal advice, certificates of lawfulness, rights of way and highways matters, waste and minerals applications, appeals, judicial and statutory review, CPO and enforcement matters. You might have just qualified, or be about to, and possess a keen interest in planning within an in-house, public sector or private practice environment. You will have already gained some experience of working on a variety of planning matters, either as part of your training contract, or since qualifying, and are seeking to expand your skills and knowledge whilst being supported by an experienced team. The planning team will support you to take on responsibility for dealing with high quality, high value work with increased independence over time, and will be afforded high levels of responsibility from the outset. By working together, you will have the right environment in which to flourish in order to achieve your longer-term career ambitions. The team are proud to be working with pioneering and ambitious household name clients across the Energy & Infrastructure sector, with whom you will be working directly to deliver an exceptional advisory service, deepening existing relationships and extending business opportunities. In addition, the Developers sector has a considerable presence within their Southampton office, enabling you to work collaboratively with an impressive range of high calibre lawyers from top regional and city firms. The firm are actively engaged at the forefront of the market with initiatives such as net zero, supporting and advising our clients on emerging priorities and technologies as they develop. This role will offer the successful individual the chance to gain exposure to a range of interesting matters including commercial development projects, planning applications, Local Plans and appeals, major development projects and urban renewal, and compulsory purchase and compensation. The team also advise on highways law (including road closures and diversions), Section 106 and related planning and infrastructure agreements, and negotiations with planning authorities. The planning team handles a variety of open market, affordable, Registered Provider, and Private Rental Sector housing developments, which presents opportunities to work with well-known National House Builders, Registered Providers and investors. Any experience within Energy & Infrastructure would also be desirable but by no means essential. This is an exciting opportunity to take part in business development initiatives whilst acting on a broad range of contentious and non-contentious planning matters, including highways matters and compulsory purchase work, drafting and negotiating complex Section 106 agreements, judicial review, footpath/highway closures, infrastructure agreements and village green issues. Any previous experience in the following area would be beneficial: Negotiating planning and infrastructure agreements; Preparing planning applications; Due diligence for Brownfield acquisitions Statutory Appeals Public Enquiries Statutory Challenges Judicial review Waste and environmental offences You will be able to demonstrate a consistently strong academic record and be looking to develop your planning experience within a collegiate and growing firm. An attractive financial package is on offer with generous benefits career progression framework. To apply, please submit your CV via the link below or contact: benstonorlegal.com