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

Ashurst Perkins Coie; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 245,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Personal medical and parental leave

Paid holidays

Family care benefits

Job summary

Ashurst Perkins Coie in San Diego is looking for a highly motivated counsel-level attorney for its Projects, Energy, Environment & Resources practice group. This role involves leading complex energy transactions and regulatory matters, with a strong focus on digital infrastructure and the energy transition.

The ideal candidate will have over 6 years of energy law experience, the ability to manage high-stakes matters, and a JD from an accredited law school. This position offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented firm culture.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in energy law.
• Proven ability to manage complex transactions and regulatory filings.
• Deep knowledge of the Federal Power Act and power transaction structures.

Responsibilities

• Lead Data Center Power Transactions and negotiate agreements.
• Advise on electric market design issues within RTOs/ISOs.
• Represent clients before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
• Counsel on emerging energy policy and renewable energy strategies.
• Participate in client relationship management and thought leadership.
• Provide guidance to associates within the practice group.

Skills

Energy law

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Market design expertise

Mentorship

Education

JD from an accredited law school

Job description

Job Overview

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

Responsibilities

Ashurst Perkins Coie is seeking a highly motivated counsel-level attorney to join our Projects, Energy, Environment & Resources practice group. Working closely with our nationally and globally recognized partners, you will lead high-stakes matters at the critical nexus of large-scale digital infrastructure and the energy transition. We are looking for a seasoned practitioner who is capable of managing complex transactions with minimal oversight and motivated to grow a strong practice within a global law firm. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead Data Center Power Transactions: take the first chair in drafting and negotiating bespoke power purchase agreements, energy service agreements, and complex interconnection arrangements on behalf of developers, utilities and corporate buyers (including some of the world’s largest technology companies and data center developers).
• Market Design & RTO/ISOs: provide strategic advice on complex electric market design issues within RTOs/ISOs (with a particular emphasis on PJM, MISO, SPP, ERCOT and 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 respect to market-based rate programs, qualifying facilities and exempt wholesale generators, interlocks, etc.
• Federal energy policy: counsel clients on emerging energy policy, renewable energy integration, and carbon‑free energy procurement strategies.
• Practice development: with partners in EER, actively participate in client relationship management and contribute to the firm’s thought leadership in the areas of digital infrastructure, energy infrastructure and energy transition.
• Mentorship: provide guidance and oversight to associates within the PEER practice group, ensuring excellence in work product and professional development.

Ideal Candidate

• 6+ years of experience in energy law.
• Proven ability to manage complex transactions and regulatory filings from inception to completion with minimal partner supervision.
• Deep knowledge of the Federal Power Act, wholesale power markets, and power transaction structures.
• Collaborative self‑starter.
• JD from an accredited law school.
• Must be admitted to practice (or eligible to waive in) to the jurisdiction of office location.

Application Requirements

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

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation range: $245,000 to $420,000 annually. Compensation depends on qualifications and experience.

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.