Projects, Energy, Environment & Resources - Associate Attorney – Midlevel

Ashurst Perkins Coie; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 190,000 - 390,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Annual discretionary bonus

Personal medical and parental leave

Up to ten paid holidays

Family-care benefits

Job summary

Ashurst Perkins Coie is searching for mid-level associates to join their Projects, Energy, Environment & Resources Practice Group in Chicago. Candidates will deal with power transactions, regulatory frameworks, and market design.

This role requires 3–6 years of energy law experience, familiarity with the Federal Power Act, and the ability to draft energy contracts. The position offers competitive compensation ranging from $190,000 to $390,000 annually, along with various employee benefits.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of experience in energy law, ideally with regulatory and transactional experience.
• Familiarity with the Federal Power Act and power transaction structures.
• Demonstrated ability to draft bespoke energy contracts.
• Eligible to practice law in Illinois.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate complex power purchase agreements and energy service agreements.
• Advise on electric market design and capacity market mechanisms.
• Represent clients in proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
• Counsel clients on emerging energy policy and carbon-free energy strategies.

Skills

Energy law expertise

Regulatory compliance

Contract drafting

Education

JD from an accredited law school

Job description

Job Description

Ashurst Perkins Coie LLP is a leading international law firm, listed on Fortune’s Best Places to Work for 24 consecutive years. We have created a dynamic firm culture based on collaboration, dedication to serving our clients, and mutual respect, and we are recognized for a workplace culture where all employees can grow and reach their full potential.

Responsibilities

We are seeking highly motivated mid‑level associates for our nationally recognized Projects, Energy, Environment & Resources Practice Group. This opportunity focuses on the intersection of digital infrastructure and energy transition, designing power strategies and navigating state and federal regulatory frameworks that shape tomorrow’s energy infrastructure landscape.

• Power Transactions: negotiate sophisticated power purchase agreements and custom energy service agreements on behalf of developers, utilities, and corporate buyers, including technology companies and data center developers.
• Market Design & RTO/ISOs: advise on complex electric market design issues within RTOs/ISOs (emphasis on PJM, MISO, SPP, ERCOT, CAISO), including capacity market mechanisms, large load and generator interconnection policies, and market participation.
• FERC Regulatory: represent clients in high‑stakes proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and advise on compliance with market‑based rate programs, qualifying facilities, exempt wholesale generators, interlocks, etc.
• Federal Energy Policy: counsel clients on emerging energy policy, renewable energy integration, and carbon‑free energy procurement strategies.

Ideal Candidate

• 3–6 years of experience in energy law, preferably with a mix of regulatory and transactional experience
• Familiarity with the Federal Power Act, power market mechanics, and power transaction structures
• Demonstrated ability to draft bespoke energy contracts
• JD from an accredited law school
• Must be admitted to practice—or eligible to waive—in the jurisdiction of the office location

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, law school transcript and writing sample.

Benefits and Compensation

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, personal medical and parental leave, up to ten paid holidays, and family‑care benefits. Compensation range: $190,000 to $390,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.