Senior Associate — Energy & Infrastructure Regulation

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holistic wellbeing fund

Home office allowance

Job summary

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP in Melbourne seeks an experienced Solicitor or Senior Associate to join our market-leading Projects, Energy and Infrastructure practice. You will work on energy regulation, M&A, and project development across domestic and international matters, collaborating with Partners at the forefront of Australia’s energy transition.

You will provide commercial advice, contribute to regulatory strategy, and support the delivery of complex projects within a renowned firm known for

Qualifications

• Admitted to practice as a lawyer in Australia or New Zealand.
• 2+ years of experience in energy law, energy regulation, or a related regulatory/administrative area.
• Interest in energy markets, energy policy or the energy transition.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory frameworks into clear, commercial advice.

Responsibilities

• Work across corporate energy and infrastructure transactions with a focus on energy regulation.
• Collaborate with Partners at the forefront of Australia's energy transition and other PEI team members.
• Advise on regulatory strategy, market reform, project structuring, and government support mechanisms.

Skills

Analytical skills

Regulatory translation

Collaborative mindset

Time management

Education

Admission to practice in Australia or NZ

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Solicitor or Senior Associate to join our market-leading Projects, Energy and Infrastructure (PEI) practice, based in Melbourne.

What you'll do

This is a rare opportunity to work across a broad range of corporate energy and infrastructure transactions, with a particular focus on energy regulation.

It would be working closely with Partners Skye Kirby and Bailee Walker at the forefront of Australia's energy transition, as well as other leading Partners in the Corporate PEI practice advising on the full dela lifecycle including a range of M&A, joint ventures and project development matters.

The team advising on some of the most complex and high-profile regulatory matters in the market. The team advises governments, regulators, major energy market participants and private capital clients on the legal frameworks underpinning Australian energy markets, as well as on the structuring and delivery of clean energy projects.

The work spans regulatory strategy, energy market reform, project structuring, grid connection, revenue arrangements and government support mechanisms, with exposure to both domestic and international matters.

What you'll bring

• Admission to practice as a lawyer in Australia or New Zealand.
• 2+ years' experience in energy law, energy regulation, or a related area of regulatory or administrative law.
• An interest in, or experience with, energy markets, energy policy or the energy transition.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex regulatory frameworks into clear, commercial advice.
• A proactive, collaborative approach and the ability to manage competing priorities and tight timeframes.
• A genuine interest in contributing to one of Australia's most fast evolving and consequential sectors.
• An innovative mindset, curious about AI and emerging technologies.

What you can expect from us

• We're a world leading international law firm with a global team of over 6,000 professionals across 26 offices. As the market leader in Australia, we are committed to high performance, collaboration, diversity and digital innovation. We are client-centred, commercially driven, and renowned for our solution-focused expertise. We will align your growth with our ambitions.
• We make your personal and professional growth our business. And as part of the team, our ambition is yours too. Wherever you are in your career: grow and help the firm grow with you.
• We will provide opportunities to learn on the job as well as a mix of learning opportunities tailored to you. Daily experiences, supportive challenges, team collaboration, mentors, and structured learning opportunities help you to expand your knowledge and reach your goals.
• We value your wellbeing, both at home and work and we place a strong emphasis on mental health. If you need support, you'll have it and we'll empower you to harness your personal strengths, navigate uncertainty, embrace opportunities, and effectively manage things within your control.
• For more benefits on offer such as our holistic wellbeing fund or home office allowance.
• Join us to be part of a human, bold and outstanding team at Australia's market leading law firm.

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values - Human, Bold, and Outstanding.