Executive Compensation Senior Consultant - Associate Director

Clifford Chance; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global law firm is seeking a senior lawyer to advise on environmental and energy issues, manage regulatory compliance, and contribute to business development. This role requires strong negotiation skills and experience with major corporates in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The firm offers a hybrid working model with opportunities for professional development and benefits designed to support employees’ wellbeing. Exceptional academic credentials and a proven track record in transactional matters are essential.

Benefits

Access to broad benefits including financial, wellbeing, and lifestyle support

Training and development opportunities

Balanced hybrid working approach

Qualifications

• Senior lawyer with background in EHS, energy, regulatory, and planning.
• Experience at a City Firm or a notable overseas common law practice.
• Track record of advising corporates and financial institutions.
• Demonstrated experience in transactional and regulatory matters.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate environmental warranties and indemnities.
• Advise on EHS issues and draft agreements for renewable energy.
• Coordinate legal due diligence for clients in UK energy projects.
• Provide advice on emissions trading and carbon reduction financing.

Skills

EHS expertise

Understanding of carbon markets

Negotiation and drafting experience

Client and regulator contact experience

Teamwork and coaching abilities

Education

Outstanding academic record

Job description

Role Overview

CMA appeals – Advising on power, ESG and consenting issues for data centres as part of the wider Data Centre Group. Support clients through the entire planning process, including review of planning applications, statutory agreements, inquiries and legal challenges. Advise on consenting and planning issues for major energy and infrastructure projects, such as development consent orders, compulsory purchase orders and highways works. Contribute to the Group’s growth through business development and knowledge sharing, including new business pitches, briefings, presentations and knowledge‑sharing tasks.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate environmental warranties and indemnities in M&A and real estate transactions and provide post‑acquisition advice on claims.
• Offer stand‑alone advice on EHS issues, including the contaminated land regime and chemicals regulation.
• Draft and negotiate agreements for renewable energy transactions and projects, including SPAs, power and heat supply contracts, and other ancillary documents.
• Coordinate legal due diligence for clients investing in UK energy projects, reviewing and reporting on planning and environmental issues and other energy matters (grid connection, fuel and equipment supply, contracts for difference, offtake arrangements).
• Advising on the regulation of the energy market, covering electricity generation technologies, renewables, gas, electricity distribution, transmission, supply and regulation of other utilities and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with the wider firm on ESG and climate‑change issues in different sectors, including corporate disclosures and due diligence.
• Provide advice on emissions trading, voluntary emissions reduction purchase agreements, and financing of carbon reductions and removal projects.
• Assist with regulatory frameworks, licensing issues and emerging regulation in utilities and infrastructure, drafting responses to consultations, negotiating licence amendments and advising on related matters.

Qualifications

• Senior lawyer with a background in EHS, carbon markets, energy, regulatory and planning work.
• Experience at a City Firm or an overseas common law practice with a highly regarded profile.
• Outstanding academic record.
• Track record of advising major corporates, financial institutions and investors in specialist practice areas.
• Experience advising clients in real estate, industrial, energy and infrastructure sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in transactional and regulatory matters, including negotiation, drafting, complex legal analysis and direct client and regulator contact.
• Good understanding of the fast‑moving ESG agenda and topical issues such as climate change and biodiversity.
• Ability to work in teams, share knowledge, motivate and coach juniors, and contribute to overall success.
• Empathy, resilience, responsiveness and reliability.

Support and Development

From day one, you will have varied opportunities to grow and develop your skills, including formal training, informal coaching and mentoring, skills‑based and technical training, and on‑the‑job learning.

Hybrid Working

This role follows a balanced hybrid approach with a minimum of 50% office presence, provided business needs allow.

Benefits

Access to a broad range of benefits covering financial, wellbeing, lifestyle and family aspects. For specific UK benefits, visit the What We Offer page on the career site.

EEO Statement

At Clifford Chance, we treat all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age. This applies to recruitment, selection, terms and conditions of employment, pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect.