About Ashurst

Ashurst is a leading progressive global law firm with a rich history spanning more than 200 years. We are proud of our history and are future-focused, having expanded into new technologies through our NewLaw division, Ashurst Advance, and our consulting arm. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing excellent standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law. To find out more please visit .

Team overview

Ashurst is one of the strongest planning practices in the City. It is well known for its planning and compulsory purchase expertise and the reputation of its environment practice is growing. The team's reputation is built on its expertise in advising on major mixed-use development schemes, retail schemes, regeneration projects, high value residential schemes, landmark office developments as well as data centres, energy and infrastructure projects.

Our team of dedicated experts prides itself on providing cutting-edge advice on all aspects of planning law and across the public and private sectors.

Our services include providing strategic planning advice, dealing with all aspects of planning and infrastructure legal agreements, advising on environmental impact assessment, viability, promotion of compulsory purchase orders and compensation claims and inquiry, tribunal and litigation work, DCO advice and promotion of TWAOs.

The planning team has three partners, two of which are ranked as Band One in Chambers. There are six associates, a PSL and one trainee.

We also have a leading environmental law partner and four associates who specialise in environmental work. We work together as a combined planning and environment practice and there will be opportunities for working on environmental matters.

Job overview

Act on complex development schemes and also advise on environmental legal issues, compulsory purchase orders or schemes requiring a DCO or TWAO.
Day to day responsibility for more straightforward matters and actively progress complex matters
Assist clients in arriving at practical and cost effective solutions.
Understand the way our business, competitors and clients are developing and work with the business development team to use this information to develop business opportunities. Build and maintain a network of business contacts.
Contribute to professional development and know-how and participate in training where appropriate.

Essential skills and experience

Newly Qualified Lawyer or up to two years PQE with Real Estate and Planning experience:

Experience training at a major law firm or UK local authority
Excellent attention to detail
A team-player who can work effectively with colleagues at all levels
Client facing experience and the ability to understand and respond effectively to client needs
A technically sound but commercial approach

Type of work

We handle Tier 1-quality work. We are very well-known figures in the industry, attracting the most iconic projects in the country. We work for Tier 1 quality clients opposite and alongside Tier 1 firms. We act on high profile schemes such as Greystar's Bermondsey Project, Lendlease High Road West, the GLA and TfL (numerous schemes) and the Berkeley Group. We are acting on innovative First Of A Kind energy projects that are driving the decarbonisation agenda, including carbon capture plants, heat transmission lines and small modular reactors that are nationally significant. We have attracted a roster of impressive new clients this year including E&A Strategic Land, Heathrow Airport, Protos and Fusion.

Our work includes advice on planning applications, section 106 negotiations, planning appeals, court proceedings, compulsory purchase and compensation,

We work for developers, government, local authorities, banks, and investors.

We offer the opportunity to undertake full range of planning work with all members of the team. We operate as a freestanding team, but we also have the capacity and skillset to support the wider business. We have a strong working relationship with other practices within the firm including real estate, construction, real estate finance, projects, and corporate.

Career advancement

An established Associate Career Path Framework is in place clearly defining expectations and outlining opportunities for promotion.

Secondment opportunities

Opportunities often arise for associates to spend time on secondment in house with a key client of the firm. From time to time, secondment opportunities also come up within other Ashurst offices in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.

Background checks

In order to comply with regulatory and client requirements, Ashurst will undertake appropriate vetting of staff. When applicants accept a job offer, Ashurst, alongside a specialist provider, will undertake professional verification and background checks. These checks are only undertaken with consent, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations.

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