Senior Associate

Rutherford; Greater London; On-site; GBP 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Rutherford, an established international law firm, seeks a Senior Associate to join its London-based Energy & Utilities team. The role focuses on district heating, electricity infrastructure and energy projects, advising developers, providers and operators on complex commercial and regulatory matters.

The successful candidate will work on district heating schemes, energy regulation, and a range of commercial agreements, with exposure to renewable energy and decarbonisation projects in the UK

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years' PQE with substantive energy & utilities experience.
• Direct experience advising on district heating, heat networks, electricity & utilities matters.
• Strong understanding of UK energy regulation and relevant frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Advise on district heating schemes, procurement, operation and regulation of schemes.
• Advise on electricity and utilities matters including generation, distribution and supply arrangements.
• Provide guidance on energy regulation frameworks affecting heat networks and providers.
• Draft and negotiate energy supply agreements, infrastructure contracts and related documents.
• Support renewable energy projects (solar, wind, storage) and regulatory matters.
• Advise on energy infrastructure, decentralised energy systems and related contracts.
• Assist decarbonisation efforts through energy efficiency and upgrades.

Skills

Energy & utilities law

District heating expertise

UK energy regulation

Commercial contract drafting

In-house or private practice exposure

Education

Qualified solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

Senior Associate Solicitor, Energy & Utilities 4+years' PQE

We are working with an established and well ranked international law firm seeking a Senior Associate to join its London-based team.

This is an opportunity for a lawyer with specialist experience in district heating, electricity, utilities and energy infrastructure to advise on a broad range of technically complex and commercially significant projects.

The successful candidate will work with developers, energy providers, infrastructure operators and commercial organisations on projects involving the development, operation and regulation of energy infrastructure.

The role offers exposure to an evolving sector, with particular emphasis on district heating, electricity infrastructure, energy supply arrangements and the transition towards more sustainable energy systems.

The successful candidate will advise on matters including:

• District heating and heat networks: Advising on the development, procurement, operation and regulation of district heating schemes and associated infrastructure.
• Electricity and utilities: Providing legal advice on electricity generation, distribution, supply and utility infrastructure arrangements.
• Energy regulation: Advising on regulatory frameworks affecting heat networks, electricity and utility providers.
• Commercial agreements: Drafting and negotiating energy supply agreements, infrastructure contracts, concession arrangements and related commercial documentation.
• Renewable energy: Supporting projects involving solar, wind, battery storage and other renewable energy technologies.
• Energy infrastructure: Advising on utility connections, decentralised energy systems and associated contractual arrangements.
• Decarbonisation: Supporting projects involving energy efficiency, infrastructure upgrades and the transition towards lower-carbon energy solutions.

We are particularly interested in speaking with qualified solicitors who demonstrate:

• A minimum of 4 years' relevant PQE, with substantive experience in energy and utilities law.
• Direct experience advising on district heating, heat networks and/or electricity and utilities matters.
• A strong understanding of UK energy regulation, particularly in relation to electricity or heat infrastructure.
• Experience drafting and negotiating commercial agreements associated with energy supply, infrastructure development or utility operations.

The successful candidate will have gained experience either in house or in practice in the UK.

The position is specifically focused on energy and utilities expertise. Candidates whose experience is predominantly in construction, real estate, project finance or oil and gas, without substantive relevant heat or electricity utilities experience, are unlikely to be suitable.

This position offers the opportunity to develop further expertise in an increasingly important area of the UK energy market. The successful candidate will benefit from:

• Exposure to technically challenging energy and utilities projects.
• Opportunities to advise on developments in district heating and electricity infrastructure.
• Direct interaction with clients across the energy and infrastructure sectors.
• Collaboration with experienced lawyers across complementary practice areas.
• Opportunities for professional development, increased responsibility and long-term career progression.