Planning and Environmental Solicitor

Vacancy Number: 22840

Legal

Job Type: Full-time

ESB is a purpose led company striving to create a brighter future for the customers and communities we serve, leading the transition to reliable, affordable, low-carbon energy. Today, we operate one of the most progressive electricity systems in the world, with activities spanning electricity generation, transmission, distribution and supply in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, and an international energy consulting business.

With almost 8,000 employees we invested €1bn in infrastructure last year, contributed over €2bn to the economies we operate in and distributed over €2m across a range of community initiatives. This requires us to bring the best of our capabilities together to deliver innovative and value-driven solutions that enable our customers to live low-carbon lives. ESB strives to foster an effective and inclusive culture where people engage, challenge and feel connected to our purpose, colleagues, customers and community.

The Role

The successful candidate will join the Property, Planning & Environment and Employment Law (PPEEL) team with responsibility for providing quality advice on a varied range of planning and environmental legal issues across the ESB Group, reviewing case law and legislation, working with project teams in the preparation of large infrastructure planning and environmental consents, preparation for and running of planning hearings with the assistance of Senior Counsel/external Counsel and providing legal support in environmental and planning litigation.

This role will report to the Planning & Environmental Law Specialist, Enterprise Services and will be based in ESB Head Office F27 in line with ESB's Smart Working arrangements.

ESB is committed to offering flexibility in ways of working and we call that Smart Working – combining digital tools with a culture of trust and empowerment to enable flexible and remote ways of working.

The successful candidate may combine remote / smart working within the jurisdiction, with attendance at base for in-person collaboration, the frequency of which is agreed with the manager and subject to ongoing review.

ESB is one of the founding members of The Remote Alliance – a new initiative established by the social enterprise Grow Remote. Working with other like-minded members, we’ve committed to developing solutions that will ensure remote and hybrid working can become a sustainable part of our business.

The Remote Alliance - Grow Remote

Key Responsibilities

Working closely and proactively with the Planning and Environmental Law Specialist in giving high quality and timely advice to internal clients

Assisting and running cases in planning hearings and support in planning and environmental litigation, briefing, and attending Counsel and from time with external law firms appointed by ESB and advising on the best approach to cases.
Working as part of the legal team and embedding with the internal client team on specific projects from time to time
Working with external solicitor firms from ESB’s panel and engaging with the legal team of JV partners
Assisting the Planning and Environmental Law Specialist with drafting of advice and policy in this specialist area and review existing policies

Essential Experience and Qualifications

Minimum of 5-7 years' experience in a similar role
Qualified in Ireland or with an equivalent foreign qualification
Experience in advising on Irish Planning & Environmental law with experience in Northern Ireland and the UK being an advantage
Experience of Planning Hearings and High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court would be an advantage
Initiative and ability to work independently and prioritise issues while working as part of the legal team and the client team
Ability to influence and engage with clients and colleagues.
Excellent research, technical and drafting skills
Good IT skills
Excellent organisation, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work effectively under pressure and deliver results working to tight deadlines
Good judgement
Strong stakeholder management skills
A strong work ethic and a flexible approach to working hours

Why Work with Us?

Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future
Progressive, hybrid working model
Career development through mentoring and training
Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
Sports and Social Clubs
Networking opportunities
Credit Union
Generous Pension
Access to staff well-being programmes
Generous parental leave entitlements
Comprehensive Diversity & Inclusion programme
Great team environment working to our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted

Salary

€55,000 to €65,000 per annum

Closing Date

29th May 2023

Note: Please advise if you require any assistance or accommodations should you be called to attend an interview.

If you have any queries in relation to this job, please contact recruitment@esb.ie

Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.

Apply now »