Providing the legal foundations that enable offshore wind projects to proceed in Scotland.
OVERVIEW
Offshore Wind Planning Lawyers specialise in the planning, consenting, and regulatory legal frameworks that govern offshore wind development in Scotland. They advise developers, investors, public bodies, and consultancies on planning applications, marine licences, environmental law, and risk management. This role is central to navigating complex Scottish and UK legislation and ensuring offshore wind projects progress lawfully, efficiently, and robustly.
More details
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- Advise on offshore wind planning and consenting strategies
- Interpret and apply Scottish planning, marine, and environmental law.
- Draft and review legal documentation, conditions, and agreements
- Manage legal risks related to environmental and planning compliance.
- Advise on Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) and judicial review risk.
- Liaise with regulators, planners, and statutory consultees
- Support public inquiries, hearings, and appeals.
Location:
- Law firms (energy or planning teams
- In-house legal teams at offshore wind developers
- Public sector or regulatory bodies
· Work Pattern:
- Office-based with hybrid working common
- Periods of intensive work around submissions and inquiries
Conditions:
- Desk-based analytical and advisory work
- High levels of responsibility and attention to detail
Team Structure:
- Working closely with planning officers, consents managers, environmental specialists, and project directors.
Essential Skills
- Strong legal research and analysis
- Planning and environmental law expertise
- Drafting and negotiation skills
- Risk assessment and problem-solving
- Clear communication with technical and non-technical stakeholder
Useful Skills
- Knowledge of Scottish marine licensing and offshore regulation
- Experience of public inquiries or hearings
- Familiarity with offshore wind project development
- Commercial awareness of renewable energy projects
- Stakeholder and regulator engagement experience
University Degrees
- LLB or LLB with Honours
- Diploma in Professional Legal Practice
Professional Training:
- Trainee-ship with a law firm or in-house legal team
Career Change Routes:
- Planning or environmental lawyers transitioning into energy sector.
- Public sector or regulatory legal advisers.
Mandatory
- Qualified Solicitor in Scotland
- Admitted by the Law Society of Scotland
Desirable
- Experience in planning or environmental law
- Knowledge of offshore wind consenting processes
- CPD in marine law, environmental law, or energy regulation
- Experience with judicial review or statutory appeals
