In House Renewable Energy Counsel

Legal Counsel

Major Renewable Energy Company

3-5 years PQE

Our Client is one of the world’s leading independent producers of renewable energy. with several GW of solar, wind and storage capacity in operation or under construction in Australia.

Role purpose

To support ongoing growth in their Australian renewable energy portfolio, our client is looking to grow its Australian in-house legal team with an additional talented construction / projects Legal Counsel.

The successful candidate will play a key role advising stakeholders across the business with a primary focus on construction / projects law issues. The existing in-house legal team has a tight-knit and collaborative culture.

To succeed as part of this team, the candidate must be prepared to assist across the full lifecycle of project implementation: development, procurement, construction, operation & maintenance and project finance.

Candidate profile

  • Qualified Australian lawyer with rights to live and work in Australia. 3-5 years PQE (client is open to candidates with private practice and/or in-house background).

  • Strong ability to interact appropriately as a business-partner across the business (business development, construction, asset management, finance and accounting teams) and with their counterparts (off-takers, lenders, EPC and other contractors, regulatory authorities) and advisors (law firms, technical consultants, and brokers).

  • The successful candidate will have experience in: construction, infrastructure or major projects (front-end or mixed) providing legal support across the full project lifecycle of development, finance, construction and operation & maintenance drafting, review and negotiation of contracts related to the development and construction of renewables infrastructure including MOU, NDA, LOI, Exclusivity Agreements, EPC, and O&M contracts and related agreements,

  • Project finance structures and vehicles experience would be advantageous.

  • The ideal candidate would also have experience in some or all of the following: property, planning and permitting including advising, preparing and negotiating leases, options, permits, licenses and easements; renewable energy sector regulations; dispute resolution; compliance, in particular FIRB; corporate law and corporate governance; mergers & acquisitions

  • Personal characteristics to maximize chances of success include: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to take ownership of smaller, less complex matters whilst playing a team role in supporting larger or more complex matters

  • Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritise multiple tasks

  • Ability to understand and work in a project development / construction culture

Chris Meharg