Senior Associate Solicitor– Planning and Environmental Law

Fieldfisher LLP is a European law Firm with market leading practices in many of the world's most dynamic sectors. Fieldfisher LLP network has more than 1,800 people working across 25 offices providing highly commercial advice based on an in-depth understanding of their clients' needs. The Planning and Environmental Law Team is housed within Fieldfisher LLP niche public and regulatory unit, the largest such team in Ireland with 30+ solicitors, which provides a uniquely specialist depth of additional resources in this context.

Fieldfisher LLP are constantly at the forefront of developments in public and regulatory law and currently act for over 35 public sector bodies. Fieldfisher LLP specialised Planning and Environmental team is ranked by Legal 500 and among their clients they count numerous statutory regulatory/licensing bodies with extensive functions in the planning and environmental law sphere.

Fieldfisher LLP also act for well-known social media sites and high street coffee chains as well as pharmaceutical, life sciences and medical devices companies, energy suppliers, banks and technology leaders. Clients choose to work with Fieldfisher LLP because they deliver commercial, pragmatic and innovative solutions through their exceptional legal expertise and experience, on time and on budget.

The role

Due to Fieldfisher LLP continued growth and exciting plans for the future, they have an immediate vacancy for an ambitious Senior Associate Solicitor to join their highly regarded Planning and Environmental Law team. Applications are invited from solicitors or barristers with relevant experience.

In this role you will contribute towards a rewarding and varied caseload, including managing challenging litigation and advisory pieces of work, interacting with clients and attending court. You will be given ample autonomy in your role, in a supportive and collaborative team environment.

The role requires provision of expert legal advice, underpinned by a sound commercial understanding of client needs and expectations. This would be an ideal opportunity for someone who is keen to progress in a forward-thinking Firm and gain exposure to an exciting and varied range of work.

The successful candidate will gain invaluable experience in:

• Advising on challenges to planning decisions, including managing the defence of judicial review applications on behalf of statutory bodies. This will include instruction of Counsel, attending in Court and provision of strategic advices to clients;
• Managing Superior Court litigation including Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and CJEU matters;
• Provision of advices to regulatory/licensing bodies in respect of complex licensing/enforcement queries, including advising on the framing and enforcement of licence conditions;
• Advising licensing bodies on their enforcement powers, including prosecution of offences in the District Court. This involves drafting of charges, provision of strategic advices to clients, advocating in Court without the engagement of Counsel, and instruction of Counsel in appropriate cases;
• Advising on statutory interpretation in respect of all planning and environmental legislation;
• Managing a large caseload of complex planning/environmental files in an efficient, practical and client focussed manner;
• Advising on legal developments and trends both, nationally and internationally, in planning and environmental law;
• Assisting in business development, including speaking at seminars and presenting to clients and potential clients.

The successful candidate will have the following skills and experience:

• 6+ years' experience in a relevant field (although all suitably qualified, including more experienced and junior candidates will be fully considered);
• Litigation experience, particularly in the field of judicial review;
• A strong commercial focus and business acumen;
• Ability to foster trusted relationships with clients;
• Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail;
• Strong organisational and time management skills;
• Team player with strong communication skills and ambitions to progress their career;
• An excellent work ethic with a positive 'can do' attitude and approach to work.

To Apply

To apply for this role, please submit your CV and Cover letter to or if you have any questions or would like to discuss the role confidentially please contact Karen Dempsey, Human Resource Director on

Competitive salary and compensation package offered.

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