Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Clifford Chance; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international law firm in Greater London is seeking a lawyer for their Environment and Planning Group. Responsibilities include advising on environmental warranties in transactions, drafting contracts related to renewable energy, and collaborating on ESG issues. Candidates should possess a strong background in EHS and energy regulations with excellent negotiation and teamwork skills. The role operates on a hybrid model, ensuring work-life balance through a flexible approach to office attendance.

Benefits

Financial benefits

Wellbeing options

Family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• Experience advising major corporates and financial institutions.
• Background in EHS, carbon markets, or energy regulatory work.
• Knowledge of transactional and regulatory matters.

Responsibilities

• Support senior associates and partners across practices.
• Draft and negotiate environmental warranties in M&A transactions.
• Advise clients on energy market regulations and compliance.

Skills

EHS knowledge

Regulatory understanding

Negotiation skills

Teamwork

Client-contact skills

Education

Outstanding academic record

Job description

Overview

Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.

Role

The Group specialises in EHS, carbon markets, climate change, ESG, energy and utilities regulation (including electricity market, oil and gas, nuclear, renewables, water, ports and airports) and real estate and infrastructure planning and consenting. The practice spans compliance advisory, transactional, project work, and disputes/litigation. The successful candidate must demonstrate experience in some of these areas, and the capability and appetite to develop their knowledge and skills across other areas covered by the Group.

Who you will work with

As a lawyer in the Environment and Planning Group you will be involved with all types of work (advisory, transactional and disputes) across the sectors covered by the team, and will work with team members in London and overseas. The Group will provide regular support on EHS, regulatory and consenting issues to the Real Estate, Corporate and Finance practices, meaning you would work as part of the cross‑practice deal team.

The Group also plays a key role in a number of sectoral and diagonal groups including the Climate Change Group, the Energy & Infrastructure Group and the firm's global ESG and sustainability offering.

Responsibilities

• Support the senior associates and partners across the full spectrum of practices and sectors.
• Draft and negotiate environmental warranties and indemnities in M&A and real estate transactions and provide post‑acquisition advice on claims.
• Provide stand‑alone advice on EHS issues including the contaminated land regime and chemicals regulation.
• Draft and negotiate agreements for renewable energy transactions and projects (SPAs, power & heat supply contracts, etc.).
• Coordinate legal due diligence for clients investing in UK energy projects, reviewing planning and environmental matters.
• Advise on the regulation of the energy market, electricity generation, gas, distribution, transmission and supply.
• Collaborate on ESG and climate‑change issues across sectors.
• Advise on emissions trading, voluntary emissions reduction purchase agreements and related financing.
• Provide regulatory and licensing advice for utilities and infrastructure, drafting consultation responses and negotiating licence amendments.
• Advise on power, ESG and consenting matters for data centres.
• Support clients through the planning process, including planning applications, statutory agreements, inquiries and challenges.
• Contribute to business development activities and knowledge‑sharing initiatives.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A background in EHS, carbon markets, energy, regulatory or planning work, ideally gained at a City firm or overseas common‑law practice.
• Outstanding academic record.
• Experience advising major corporates, financial institutions and investors in the specialist practice areas.
• Knowledge of transactional and regulatory matters, including drafting and negotiation.
• Understanding of ESG agenda and topical issues such as climate change and biodiversity.
• Strong teamwork, coaching and client‑contact skills.
• Empathetic, resilient, responsive and reliable attitude.

Support and Development

The role offers formal training, informal coaching and mentoring, technical training and on‑the‑job learning.

Hybrid Working

Balanced hybrid approach; expected to work from office at least 50% of time.

Benefits

Clifford Chance provides a broad range of benefits including financial, wellbeing, lifestyle and family‑friendly options.

Equal Opportunities

Clifford Chance promotes diversity and equal opportunities across all employment aspects. All candidates are treated fairly and equally regardless of personal characteristics.