Associate - Energy (Mid-Level)

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; Washington; On-site; USD 260,000 - 365,000; Full time

Job summary

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP seeks a high-performing associate with approximately 3–5 years of experience to join its Energy practice in Washington, DC. The role focuses on Nuclear & Fusion Energy and developing projects across energy infrastructure, regulatory matters, and commercial transactions.

The ideal candidate will handle substantive, ownership-level workstreams, draft and negotiate project agreements, and support development, financing, and regulatory efforts.

Qualifications

• J.D. or foreign equivalent; LL.M. considered in lieu of J.D.
• Approx. 3–5 years of relevant legal experience in complex transactions or related work
• Prior Am Law 100 firm experience preferred
• Military experience or security clearances valued but not required
• Engineering or technical background valued but not required
• Excellent academic credentials and strong analytical skills
• Strong judgment, attention to detail, and client service mindset
• Admission to the DC Bar or eligible to waive in

Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial, procurement, development, and project agreements
• Supporting energy project development, financing, and nuclear fuel/supply arrangements
• Working on advanced nuclear, SMR, fusion, and other energy projects
• Regulatory, licensing, adjudicatory, appellate, compliance, and export control matters
• Managing workstreams and client relationships across multidisciplinary teams
• Collaborating with attorneys across offices on domestic and international matters

Skills

Transactional work

Project development

Finance experience

Legal writing

Client service

Interpersonal skills

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

LL.M. considered in lieu of J.D.

Job description

Washington, District of Columbia

Job Description

Pillsbury’s Finance & Restructuring Business Unit is seeking a high-performing associate with approximately 3–5 years of experience to join its Energy practice in Washington, DC. The Associate will work primarily with the firm’s Nuclear & Fusion Energy practice, with opportunities to support the broader Energy Infrastructure Projects practice and develop experience across energy, infrastructure, commercial transactions, and regulation.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in transactional, commercial, project development, and/or finance work and be comfortable taking ownership of substantive workstreams. Prior nuclear experience is valued but not required. Candidates with experience in energy, infrastructure, project development, project finance, corporate transactions, commercial contracting, or another technically complex industry are encouraged to apply. Experience with nuclear energy, advanced reactors, fusion, or other highly regulated infrastructure is a plus.

We are looking for an associate who demonstrates sound judgment, takes ownership of assignments, and consistently produces high-quality work. A proactive mindset, attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to client service are foundational to success.

Responsibilities include:

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial, procurement, development, supply, and other project agreements.

• Supporting energy project development, financing, commercial transactions, and nuclear fuel and supply arrangements.

• Working on advanced nuclear, small modular reactor, fusion, and other emerging energy and infrastructure projects.

• Supporting regulatory, licensing, adjudicatory, appellate, compliance, and export control matters arising in connection with energy projects.

• Managing substantive workstreams and assuming increasing responsibility for matters and client relationships.

• Collaborating with attorneys across practices and offices on complex domestic and international matters.

Qualifications include:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or foreign equivalent; an LL.M. will be considered in lieu of a J.D.

• Approximately 3–5 years of relevant legal experience, including experience in complex transactions, energy, infrastructure, project development, project finance, commercial contracting, or related work.

• Prior or current experience at an Am Law 100 firm (preferred).

• Prior military experience or security clearances are valued but not required.

• Engineering or technical background is valued but not required.

• Excellent academic credentials.

• Exceptional analytical, research, drafting, and legal writing skills.

• Strong judgment, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and manage competing priorities.

• Thorough understanding of professional ethics and conduct codes applicable to legal practice.

• Admission to and good standing with the District of Columbia Bar, or eligibility to waive in.

The expected salary range for this position is $260,000 - $365,000. Final compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, relevant experience, qualifications, skill set, and geographic location.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please contact us at [e-mail].