Legal Counsel - Gas and Power

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a commodity trading lawyer to join the Legal Affairs department of a dynamic and rapidly-growing international energy trading company on a permanent basis.

This role will primarily provide commercial, contractual and regulatory legal advice and support to the Gas, Power and Carbon/Emissions trading teams of the business.

Responsibilities

• Providing practical legal advice and support to the company’s Gas, Power & Carbon/Emissions trading business and its leadership teams on a range of commercial, supply and trading issues.
• Reviewing and negotiating commercial and corporate contracts including LNG MSA, EFETs and ISDAs.
• Identifying legal risks, monitoring and communicating the impact of legislative and regulatory developments. Working closely with the compliance team on regulatory reporting.
• Supporting the expansion of the company’s trading business into new markets and geographies and providing sound functional legal assurance and support to its business growth projects.
• Advising the business on the resolution of regulatory issues and contentious trading and non-trading issues, with the support of external counsel where required.
• Reviewing and negotiating ad-hoc financing agreements, tender documentation, bank guarantees, performance bonds etc.
• Advising on areas of corporate law and corporate governance pertaining to the company’s joint venture.

Skills

• Degree in Law, ideally from a common law jurisdiction
• Qualified lawyer with SRA registration.
• Experience of working in the energy sector, advising on commodity trading.
• If from private practice, ideally at least 6 months spent on secondment to a commodity trading company, bank or an in house corporate/commercial team.
• Good understanding of the energy trading industry and solid background in a commodity trading, corporate or commercial discipline.
• Knowledge of gas, power and carbon/emissions trading agreements, EFETs and ISDAs.
• Experience of financial regulation, structured products & compliance would be advantageous
• 3+ years’ relevant post qualification experience
• A commercial, pro-active and professional approach to work
• Energetic individual with good interpersonal skills
• Drive, commitment and an ability to work autonomously but closely alongside business stakeholders and partners
• Motivation and a strong desire to learn and acquire experience of new areas of practice
• Team player, flexible and willing to support other members of the Legal Affairs team with a diverse work portfolio
• Proven record of sound judgment, commercial awareness and high quality contribution to business strategy and delivery
• Excellent spoken and written English

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary (commensurate with experience), plus a comprehensive benefits package, including Private Medical, Dental and Travel Insurance cover, Life Assurance, Annual Gym Allowance, Contributory Pension Scheme, 25 days annual leave, Discretionary Bonus, and more. This is a full-time position, with the successful candidate being required to attend the London office 4 days per week.