Legal Counsel
- Posted 20 September 2023
- Salary Competitive Salary (DOE)
- LocationMilan
- Job type Permanent
- DisciplineRenewable Energy & Infrastructure, Energy, ESG & Green Tech Finance
- ReferenceSHALI
- Contact NameSam Hadfield
Job description
Our client, a Clean Energy Asset Management entity, make direct equity investments in carbon reducing renewable energy power generation from late-stage development to commercial operations across Europe. They are actively seeking a Legal Counsel who will be the entity's first full-time legal hire so comes with the chance of growing out the legal team in the years to come.
Key Responsibilities:
Portfolio Oversight:
The focus of the role will be to provide legal and management support within the portfolio from the point of acquisition onwards with the aim to reduce reliance on external counsel, particularly but not exclusively in Spain and Italy. This will include:
Managing legal risk factors during late stage development, construction and operation of the plants
Assisting the technical team on the negotiation and implementation of construction contracts (TSA, EPC, O&M)
Providing day to day legal advice to the asset manager / investment manager regarding the interpretation and management of legal agreements
Assisting in the negotiation and preparation of offtake agreements (PPAs, REGO / GOO sale agreements) or debt financing agreements
Commercial and pre-litigation legal dispute resolution involving contractors, landlords, neighbouring projects etc
Developing standard form agreements, template or policies where appropriate
Managing the interaction between the internal teams and external legal advisers, where required
Transaction Support:
To assist the Head of Legal and the investment team of the Clean Energy portfolio. This covers the acquisition of new projects and the disposal of legacy operating assets with the UK and Europe. This will include:
Conducting legal due diligence of potential assets prior to exclusivity being granted to evaluate legal red flags as part of a bid process
Preparing heads of terms and exclusivity agreements with sellers / potential bidders
Assisting in the compiling and operating of data rooms, responding to legal Q&A and general deal management
Reviewing land, grid and regulatory documentation for development assets to be acquired and raising areas of legal risk and associated mitigating factors to the investment team
Managing internal signing and completion processes, alongside external advisers
Qualifications and Skills:
English, Spanish or Italian law qualified
Minimum of 2 to 4 years post qualification experience preferably within an asset management firm, developer, utility or similar energy company within the renewable sector
Strong law firm training combined with demonstrable commercial acumen
Excellent organisation, multi-tasking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
Proficient in written communication and legal drafting (in English)
English, Spanish or Italian speaking