Legal Secretary jobs in United Kingdom

Business Platform: EDP Renewables UK Limited

EDP Renewables is a global leader in the renewable energy sector and the fourth-largest wind energy producer. With a sound development pipeline, first-class assets, and market-leading operating capacity, EDPR has undergone exceptional development in recent years and is currently present in 28 markets.

Our company is part of EDP, a global energy group present in around 30 markets with a particular emphasis on renewable energies. With more than 45 years of experience, we have been consolidating a relevant presence on the world energy scene based on the commitment to be all-green by 2030, leading the energy transition. With more than 13,000 employees around the world, we are committed to using our energy and heart to drive a better tomorrow.

A Legal Associate is required to support our portfolio of renewable energy projects, in line with our growth strategy, including onshore wind, battery storage and solar across the UK and Ireland. The role will involve being part of the existing UK based legal team, reporting directly to the Head of Legal for UK & Ireland. There will be a strong element of property related legal work involved as well as some other in-house legal tasks.

• Providing legal advice to the UK & Ireland business unit and to colleagues in other teams and jurisdictions.
• Reviewing and advising on land agreements and property rights for the current pipeline of development projects and new prospect sites (such as heads of terms, exclusivity agreements, option agreements, leases, agreements for sale, easements, servitudes, wayleaves, licences for use/works, title documents and land plans).
• Assisting the project management, origination, engineering, construction, procurement, asset management and other business unit teams with EDPR’s UK based portfolio of projects in all aspects of their development and delivery.
• Assisting with project due diligence, asset and share acquisition and sale, and provision of legal advice relating to construction, project operation, route to market, regulatory, financing, corporate and commercial matters.
• Identifying the need for legal input and support across the UK business unit and allocating resource accordingly.
• Procuring and managing external legal counsel in specialist areas and for major transactions/projects.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide variety of commercial contracts (such as technical and professional service agreements, development framework agreements, materials and equipment supply contracts etc)
• Providing general ad hoc legal and commercial advice and legal governance support typical of an in-house position.
• Representing the company professionally and establishing and maintaining good relationships with our external advisors, consultants, contractors and stakeholders.

Employment type: Full-Time

Work site: Hybrid Model

Availability to Travel: May involve very occasional travel away from the home office

1. Academic Skills:

• University Degree in Law. A qualified solicitor in Scotland and/or England & Wales.

2. Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ post qualification experience at a reputable law firm or in-house department.
• Some property law experience (ideally in Scotland and / or England & Wales)
• Experience of working in solar, battery storage, and wind project development or other energy technologies is beneficial but is not essential if there are other transferrable skills.
• In addition to property law, some experience in one or more of the following practice areas would also be useful: energy, commercial contracts, construction, infrastructure projects, corporate law, planning, dispute resolution, and regulatory practice areas – however, training will be provided and we will consider applicants who do not have knowledge of these areas where they demonstrate an appetite to work in renewable energy .

3. Specific Knowledge:

• Desirable strong awareness of the legal and commercial issues that are pertinent to the company and the UK energy market.
• Microsoft Office Package

4. Languages:

• English – proficient level. Excellent written English and report writing skills.

5. Skills:

• Strong awareness of the legal and commercial issues that are pertinent to the company and the UK energy market.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to build rapport and work alongside a range of commercial and technical personnel.
• A practical and pragmatic approach to providing legal advice in a fast-paced environment.
• Shows a keen understanding of the company's needs and seeks to tailor advice appropriately.
• Takes responsibility for leading on legal aspects of transactions and delivery of projects.
• Diligent, self-motivated and driven.
• Naturally well prepared and organised, able to deal with competing priorities to meet deadlines.

Our vision is that each person combines their unique characteristics and experiences to fulfil our mission of creating new energy for the planet. We are an inclusive employer, ensuring all candidates are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process. We welcome and value all people, and we are committed to fostering a sense of belonging for each person who is part of the EDP group.

As a top employer we:

• Empower our employees through a positive and innovative work environment that promotes collaboration and agile decision-making.
• Respect and value each person, providing a flexible, healthy, and inclusive workplace with a range of attractive benefits.
• Provide a meaningful work experience and prepare our people for future challenges through different opportunities for development and internal mobility.
• Our efforts have resulted in several distinctions over time, highlighting the EDP group's strong positioning and its dedication and commitment to attracting and retaining the best talent:
• Top employer certification by Top Employers Institute
• Part of the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index
• Top 100 Workplaces by Houston Chronicle

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