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NQ Solicitor - Environmental & Planning About the Role We are working with a leading commercial law firm in Northern Ireland to hire a Newly Qualified Solicitor to join its highly regarded Environmental & Planning team. This is an exceptional opportunity to develop your career within a top specialist practice, working on major projects across multiple sectors including infrastructure, energy, development, and manufacturing. Why This Role Is Exceptional Join one of the largest and most specialised Environmental & Planning teams in the region, with a rapidly expanding presence in Belfast. Work across a full spectrum of environmental and planning matters - from regulatory compliance, planning applications and judicial review, to environmental impact assessments, licensing, enforcement, and litigation. Be involved in high-impact mandates advising on significant infrastructure, renewable energy, retail, and development projects. Gain experience in both contentious and non-contentious work, including planning appeals, environmental prosecutions, and advisory work. Receive outstanding training and mentorship from experienced partners and senior solicitors across environmental, planning, and public law disciplines. Excellent long-term career prospects: a clear path to becoming a specialist associate and, for those who excel, potential progression toward partnership. Competitive compensation: the firm is prepared to offer a salary above typical NQ market rates to secure an exceptional candidate. Key Responsibilities Assist with planning applications, environmental permitting, compliance matters, and due diligence. Support litigation and judicial review cases, including legal research, drafting, preparing bundles and assisting in strategy development. Contribute to environmental assessments, risk reviews, and advisory notes. Provide practical advice to clients on planning processes, environmental regulations, and policy considerations across multiple sectors. Work collaboratively with other internal teams such as Real Estate, Corporate, Infrastructure, and Litigation to provide integrated legal support. Engage with public bodies, environmental regulators, planning authorities, and key stakeholders. Support business development through drafting articles, attending events, and contributing to client proposals. Person Specification Newly Qualified Solicitor (or approaching qualification). Strong academic record and excellent legal research, analytical and drafting skills. A genuine interest in environmental and planning law. Prior experience is welcome but not required - enthusiasm and willingness to specialise are key. Ability to interpret complex legislation and regulatory frameworks. Strong communication skills and confidence interacting with clients, regulators, and colleagues. A proactive, organised and collaborative approach, with a commitment to developing specialist expertise. What You'll Get Hands-on exposure to major environmental and planning work from day one. Outstanding training, mentorship and development opportunities within a specialist, industry-leading team. Involvement in high-profile, strategic projects across Northern Ireland and beyond. A highly competitive salary package that exceeds typical NQ market rates. A supportive, ambitious team environment with excellent long-term career prospects. For further information on this job, or any other Legal job in Belfast or Northern Ireland, apply via the link or contact Ciaran Gallagher for a confidential chat today. VANRATH acts as an agency and employment business for permanent recruitment and the supply of temporary workers. Skills: Solicitor Newly Qualified Environmental