Solicitor (Energy / Projects) – 2 to 6 years PQE

Job Purpose

We are looking for an ambitious and experienced solicitor to join our expanding and busy Projects Teams. The role would have a strong focus on energy related matters, advising clients across the sector on transactional, regulatory and commercial / contractual issues. The work would include:

• Advising on heat networks and the new Ofgem heat network regulations;
• Structuring and procurement of ESCO arrangements, energy supply agreements and customer supply agreements, with a focus on risk allocation and regulatory compliance;
• Advising on PV and renewable energy projects (including retrofit), covering lease, licence and concession arrangements, lender and third-party consents, and longer-term asset management considerations;
• Advising on energy infrastructure projects including EV charging and related matters.

The successful candidate may also be involved in advising on commercial contracts and PFI/PPP contract work more generally.

The successful candidate will display strong technical ability and matter management skills, will enjoy working both as part of a team and independently and be able to demonstrate a flair for nurturing relationships along with enthusiasm, drive, and a commercial approach.

The Team

The Projects Team is part of the wider Real Estate and Projects Team which is at the heart of Devonshires’ business, as it is with a major part of our client base. Within the Projects Team, there are four dedicated partners working on a wide variety of transactions covering a range of matters including public procurement, commercial contracts, energy, IP/IT, joint ventures, and public-private partnership projects.

Our strong preference is that team members commit to coming into the office for a minimum of three days per week.

Duties and Responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities of the role:

• Capable of drafting clear advice;
• Build and maintain relationships with clients and provide updates;
• Interact directly with clients; understand and meet their deadlines;
• Assisting with enquiries made by both clients and other fee earners and chasing paperwork where necessary;
• To be fully involved in marketing and business development in a client focussed manner;
• Good team player to work in collaboration with the department and sharing knowledge as and when required;
• Responsible for the day to day running and management of files and projects where appropriate;
• To provide clients with monthly invoices and progress reports as and when required;
• Organise and maintain tidy and accurate files both in hard copy and electronically and to ensure compliance with LEXCEL and SRA standards;
• To follow departmental procedures, the Solicitor’s Accounts rules and the Firm’s policies and procedures as detailed in the Office Manual, including LEXCEL;
• Undertake such duties and tasks that are appropriate for the role of a Solicitor such as changes in information systems and new technology as may reasonably be required.

Person Specification

• 2-6 years PQE as a solicitor working in the field of energy in this jurisdiction (experience of PFI / PPP projects is also welcomed);
• CILEx Lawyers must have Higher Rights;
• Strong drafting and communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Self-motivated with an ability to prioritise a demanding workload;
• A high attention to detail to produce work/documentation which is consistently of a high standard;
• To have a flexible approach to work to ensure client deadlines are met;
• High level of commercial awareness coupled with the ability to convey clear and concise information to clients and external organisations, which will not compromise the practice or the Firm;
• An empathy with the aims of the social housing/not for profit sector would be helpful;
• Excellent communication and client care skills;
• Strong academic background, ideally gaining a 2:1 or better degree level (or equivalent);
• To be familiar with Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet applications.