Legal Counsel - Energy Sector

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Annual performance bonus

Generous leave

Fully remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Legal Counsel to join its renewable energy team. Based in Rustenburg, North West, the role is fully remote across South Africa and focuses on project development, regulatory compliance, and complex contract work.

You will draft EPCs, PPAs, and O&M agreements, provide dispute resolution support, and advise on governance for project entities. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in energy or infrastructure law, strong commercial sense, and the ability to collaborate

Qualifications

• LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant legal experience in energy, infrastructure, or project finance law.
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Solid understanding of South African energy law and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in legal research databases and MS Office.
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal solutions.
• Experience working remotely or managing projects across distributed teams is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on all aspects of renewable energy project development, including land acquisition, permitting, and financing.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts, such as EPC agreements, PPAs, and O&M agreements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and provincial energy regulations and environmental laws.
• Manage and resolve legal disputes, including arbitration and litigation, as needed.
• Conduct legal due diligence for potential investments and acquisitions.
• Advise on corporate governance matters related to project entities.
• Stay abreast of changes in energy law and policy, particularly concerning Rustenburg, North West energy initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including project managers, finance teams, and executives.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Legal drafting

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

LLB degree

Tools

MS Office

Legal research databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the renewable energy sector, is looking for a skilled Legal Counsel to join their expanding team.

This role, based in Rustenburg, North West, offers the chance to work on cutting-edge projects and provide crucial legal advice within a high-growth industry.

You will be responsible for advising on project development, regulatory compliance, contract management, and dispute resolution related to energy infrastructure.

This position is ideal for a legal professional with a passion for the energy industry and a strong commercial acumen.

The role is designed to be fully remote, allowing you to contribute effectively from anywhere in South Africa, offering unparalleled flexibility.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on all aspects of renewable energy project development, including land acquisition, permitting, and financing.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts, such as EPC agreements, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), and O&M agreements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and provincial energy regulations and environmental laws.
• Manage and resolve legal disputes, including arbitration and litigation, as needed.
• Conduct legal due diligence for potential investments and acquisitions.
• Advise on corporate governance matters related to project entities.
• Stay abreast of changes in energy law and policy, particularly concerning Rustenburg, North West energy initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including project managers, finance teams, and executives.

Requirements

• LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant legal experience, with a strong preference for energy, infrastructure, or project finance law.
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Solid understanding of South African energy law and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in legal research databases and MS Office.
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal solutions.
• Experience working remotely or managing projects across distributed teams is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and development in the renewable energy sector.
• Fully remote work arrangement, promoting work-life balance.