Senior Associate

The Department

The team has a track record of successfully delivering first-rate legal services in all segments of the energy sector. We understand the commercial, strategic, technical, geographical and political factors that shape and impact these industries, as well as the business issues and risks inherent when working in these sectors. Our market leading presence also allows us first-hand access to contacts, sponsors and key decision makers worldwide.

Our dedicated team of Projects lawyers are recognised for their innovative thinking and strong commercial mindset. We advise globally on high-profile projects around the world. Global firms need cross-border thinkers and we are looking for a Senior Associate to be a continued part of our success where we will provide the platform for you to succeed.

Role Purpose

We seek to appoint a Senior Associate into our Project Finance team in either our Edinburgh, Leeds or Manchester offices. The role will be focused on the UK and Europe renewable energy market.

You will be integral to supporting the increased growth of our leading renewable energy team and as part of our global Projects, Energy and Infrastructure Group you will be integral to our success. The team is recognised as Tier 1 (Legal 500) and close more energy transition deals globally than any other firm. You will have the opportunity to be involved in:

• Innovative Projects: Be at the forefront of the Projects, Energy, and Infrastructure sector, delivering first-rate legal services to our global client base across the financing of large-scale renewables and energy transition projects. You will be trusted by clients to advise on the some of the most high-profile renewables deals in the market but also on innovative financings in emerging asset classes such as energy storage, sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen and EV charging.
• Global Impact: Collaborate with our international team to drive transformative change, create new opportunities, and fuel growth for our diverse client base and our firm.
• Professional Growth: Thrive in an environment that promotes professional development and values your contributions

Main duties and responsibilities

The group represents sponsors, multilateral institutions, developers, equity investors, financial institutions, institutional investors, governments, contractors, utilities and regulatory bodies in the procurement, development, financing, acquisition, construction and operation of a wide range of complex energy and infrastructure projects across the UK and EMEA.

Candidates will have a broad diet of work, that will include, acting for lenders, institutional funders, developers and sponsors on UK and European renewables and energy transition projects. You will be at the heart of structuring and managing some of the most exciting transactions in this space with a view to taking a leading role on those deals.

About you

We do not set upper or lower limits of PQE for any of our vacancies. We have, however, given an indicative PQE as an approximate guide for applicants. Candidates who have 4 – 7 years’ experience are likely to have the right level of knowledge and have gained the right level of experience needed to be able to undertake this role. The ideal candidate will:

• Be a qualified Solicitor, ideally qualified in England & Wales or a Commonwealth jurisdiction with UK and Continental Europe market experience;
• Demonstrated experience in independently leading and project managing a number of high-profile energy transactions;
• Experience advising both developers, financial sponsors and funders on energy transactions in the international market, specifically UK and Europe;
• Have a genuine interest in the evolution of the energy sector through the adoption of cleaner energy sources;
• Have proven experience of assisting in complex multi-jurisdictional matters;
• Be able to display excellent technical legal drafting skills;
• Be able to help manage, alongside partners, deals and client relationships including negotiating on the other side to other leading firms
• Be able to manage and help develop junior team members
• Recognises and seizes opportunities for the firm, including repeat business;
• Ability to build and develop own network of internal and external contacts;
• Be commercially astute and stay current on key legal and business news;
• Have excellent skills in communication, client relations, and team-working;
• Be aware of business development initiatives in the department and identifies ways to contribute;
• Maintains a controlled, objective and flexible approach under pressure; and
• Be proactive and innovative in approach

About us

DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers and business service professionals located in more than 40 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Our global reach ensures that we can help businesses with their legal needs anywhere in the world. We strive to be the leading global business law firm by delivering quality, service excellence and value to our clients and offering practical and innovative legal solutions to help them succeed. Our clients range from multinational, Global 1000, and Fortune 500 enterprises to emerging companies developing industry-leading technologies, as well as government and public sector bodies.

Our values

In everything we do connected with our People, our Clients and our Communities, we live by these values:

• Be Supportive – we are compassionate and inclusive, valuing diversity and acting thoughtfully
• Be Collaborative - we are proactive, passionate team players investing in our relationships
• Be Bold - we are fearless and inquisitive, challenging ourselves to think big and find creative new solutions
• Be Exceptional - we are strategic and driven, exceeding standards and expectations

Diversity and inclusion

At DLA Piper, diversity and inclusion underpins how we live our values and everything we do. We believe that everyone has a voice, and that everyone’s voice counts. We know that the rich diversity across our firm makes us stronger, more innovative and creative, which helps us to better serve our clients and communities. We are committed to providing an inclusive working environment and culture across our global firm, where everyone can bring their authentic self to work.

Diversity of perspective, thought, background and culture combine to make us the leading global law firm; that’s why we actively seek to build balanced teams. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

Hybrid working

We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That's why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.

Pre-engagement screening

In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits and where relevant, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability and work-related references.

Apply now