The Team
Freeths LLP Planning and Environment Group is a truly multi-disciplinary team comprising planning lawyers, environmental lawyers and planning consultants operating across all development sectors. The Group is recognised for its depth of knowledge, breadth of experience and for providing clear, pragmatic and commercial advice and support in navigating and managing the planning process – from the inception of a proposal through to advocacy – in order to secure the optimal outcome. The Group offers a holistic approach which includes advice on the specialist areas of environmental regulation from natural environment, biodiversity and sustainability, to environmental permitting, circular economy, contaminated land, waste and water regulation, climate change and regulatory defence.
The Planning and Environment Group also works closely with Freeths’ commercial, corporate and real-estate lawyers and supports their nationally recognised practices in the key sectors of development, clean energy and waste.
As part of the wider Group the environmental law team advises at the highest levels, including public and private companies (particularly manufacturers, housebuilders, commercial developers, minerals operators and utilities), public sector organisations, local authorities and environmental regulators. The teams’ objective is to secure its status as one of the leading Environmental Law Teams in the UK.
The Role
A qualified Environmental Solicitor (circa. 6 yrs PQE experience upwards) to work alongside Penny Simpson (Partner) and Richard Broadbent (Director) ideally in Sheffield or Bristol but with consideration given to strong candidates interested in other locations across the Freeths network of offices. A capability / willingness to work on habitats, species and other natural environmental law issues is preferred but we will also consider applications from lawyers who can draw upon complimentary skills in regulatory, health and safety, planning or transactional work if they can demonstrate a genuine commitment to developing an environmental law practice.
Most importantly we are looking for enthusiastic and passionate lawyers to join a friendly, supportive and ambitious team.
Key Responsibilities
To work to a consistently high level and to provide an exemplary level of client service and care.
Competent financial management and commercial awareness, including accurate time recording, billing, achievement of firm delivered targets and management of WIP.
To drive business development opportunities to ensure the retention of existing clients and development of new client relationships.
To ensure at all times that you maintain up to date technical expertise.
To be accountable for your own personal development and tocontinuously develop interpersonal and soft skills.
To be competent at all times in accordance with the SRA competence standards
To carry out any other such reasonable tasks that may be required from time to time.
Your skills and qualifications
Have directly relevant previous extensive experience and have the correct level of post qualified experience (PQE) for the role in question.
To have a strong commercial acumen and understanding of the industry and business of the client.
To run and manage your own case load with minimal supervision.
Experience in supervising and developingjunior lawyers.
A proven track record of competent financial management, ability to meet client expectations and sound case management skills.
Good IT skills, experience, and confidence with using case management systems, electronic time recording and general Microsoft packages.
To be a self-starting, friendly individual with excellent interpersonal skills.
To be able to consistently demonstrate and embody the firm’s values.
Smart. Bold. Together. We Are Freeths.
Become part of the team at Freeths.
View some of our recent highlights on our website here.
Do we sound like a match? If you’re someone who cares deeply, communicates openly and collaborates effectively, then we’d love to have you join our diverse, inclusive team.
