Associate Attorney - Energy Law

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Mentorship from leading energy lawyers

Opportunities for professional develop

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a prominent legal firm in Richards Bay seeking an Associate Attorney with a strong interest in energy law, including renewable energy projects, regulatory compliance, and project finance. The role offers a hybrid work model balancing office collaboration with remote flexibility.

You will draft and review energy project agreements, conduct regulatory research, advise on permitting, and assist with due diligence and closing processes under the guidance of senior partners.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
• Admission as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Up to 5 years post-admission experience with interest in energy/infrastructure/project finance.
• Strong legal research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple tasks.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Resilience and proactive approach to learning and development.
• Candidates with environmental or administrative law experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in drafting and reviewing energy project development agreements, PPAs, and construction contracts.
• Conduct legal research on energy regulations, environmental law, and relevant legislation.
• Support senior attorneys in advising clients on regulatory compliance and permitting processes.
• Participate in due diligence processes for energy projects and transactions.
• Liaise with clients, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the preparation of legal opinions and advice memos.
• Assist in managing project finance documentation and closing processes.
• Stay updated on industry trends and legal developments in the energy sector.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Teamwork

multitasking

Proactive learning

Environmental/administrative law (preff

Education

LLB degree

Admission as Attorney (SA)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Legal research tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent legal firm with a significant presence in the energy sector, is seeking a bright and ambitious Associate Attorney to join their Richards Bay office. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a legal professional passionate about energy law, including renewable energy projects, regulatory compliance, and project finance. You will work under the guidance of experienced partners, contributing to complex transactions and providing legal counsel to clients in the dynamic energy industry. The position is ideal for someone eager to develop expertise in this specialized field, working in a hybrid model that balances office collaboration with remote flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in drafting and reviewing energy project development agreements, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and construction contracts.


• Conduct legal research on energy regulations, environmental law, and relevant legislation impacting the sector.


• Support senior attorneys in advising clients on regulatory compliance and permitting processes.


• Participate in due diligence processes for energy projects and transactions.


• Liaise with clients, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders.


• Contribute to the preparation of legal opinions and advice memos.


• Assist in managing project finance documentation and closing processes.


• Stay updated on industry trends and legal developments in the energy sector.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.


• Admission as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.


• Up to 5 years post-admission experience, with a demonstrable interest or experience in energy, infrastructure, or project finance law.


• Strong legal research and analytical skills.


• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.


• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple tasks.


• Proficiency in legal research tools and Microsoft Office Suite.


• Resilience and a proactive approach to learning and development.


• Candidates with prior experience in environmental law or administrative law will be given preference.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.


• Mentorship from leading experts in energy law.


• Opportunities for professional development and continuing legal education.


• Exposure to high-profile energy projects.


• Hybrid work arrangement, blending office presence with remote work flexibility.


• A supportive and collegial work environment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.