Legal Counsel

Careers

Legal Counsel

Location:Chase House, Rainton Bridge Head Office

Reporting to:General Counsel

---

In applying for this position, you understand and accept that, if your application results in an offer of employment, relevant pre-employment checks will be conducted including a basic DBS check.

NOTE: All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to work from our central office in Houghton-le-Spring.

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

OnPath Energy is a leading renewable energy company committed to accelerating the transition to a sustainable future.  We specialise in the development, construction, and operation of clean energy projects, including onshore wind, solar, and energy storage solutions.  Our mission is to provide innovative and reliable energy solutions that benefit communities and protect the environment.

We are part of Brookfield, one of the world’s leading investment firms, and we have big ambitions to grow and develop as a company.  Our Legal Team is central to what we do. 

SUMMARY OVERVIEW OF ROLE:

We are seeking a commercially minded and proactive lawyer to join our growing Legal Team (currently comprising the General Counsel and a Legal Counsel). This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the business across a broad range of legal matters associated with the development, construction, operation, management, disposal and acquisition of renewable energy projects.

The successful candidate will provide pragmatic, solution-focused legal advice to internal stakeholders, manage legal risk, support strategic business initiatives, and help facilitate the successful delivery of renewable energy projects throughout their lifecycle.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Delivery

• Provide legal advice and support on a wide range of matters, including project development, commercial, finance and corporate transactions, property and planning issues, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including construction documents (such as EPC, Balance of Plant, Turbine Supply, Professional Appointments, Framework and O&M agreements) property agreements, project development agreements, M&A documentation, supply contracts, and service agreements.
• Support procurement and tender processes from a legal perspective.
• Advise project teams on contractual rights, obligations, and risk allocation throughout project delivery.
• Provide legal support on contract administration, including variations and addressing performance issues.
• Assist with dispute avoidance, including commercial negotiations and litigation.
• Manage and coordinate external legal advice.  Develop and maintain strong relationships with external law firms and manage their input in an effective manner, ensuring quality advice and value for money.

Commercial and Strategic

• Partner with internal stakeholders to identify and mitigate legal and commercial risks.
• Develop practical contract strategies that support project objectives while protecting company interests.
• Support negotiations with contractors, suppliers, consultants, landowners, and project partners.
• Provide legal input into project structuring and delivery models.

Corporate and Regulatory

• Advise on legal and regulatory matters affecting renewable energy projects.
• Support the development and implementation of corporate policies and procedures to ensure legal and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in corporate governance and company secretary activities, including preparing and reviewing board materials, minutes, and resolutions and working with our document management systems and Companies House.

Knowledge Management

• Develop and maintain precedents, guidance notes, and playbooks.
• Develop and deliver legal awareness training.
• Undertake legal research and remain up to date on relevant laws, regulations, and industry trends affecting the UK renewable energy sector.

KEY CONTACTS:

The job holder will have broad exposure to colleagues across the business.  They will work very closely with the General Counsel and Legal Counsel, the Finance, Procurement and Construction Teams, as well as multi-disciplinary project teams.

External contacts will include law firms and other professional advisers.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The role will be based at the OnPath Head Office at Chase House, Rainton Bridge Business Park, with visits to our office in Scotland and project sites etc as required from time to time.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

ESSENTIAL:

• England and Wales or Scotland qualified solicitor (or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years’ PQE.
• Experience of working in an in-house legal team of a comparable business.
• Strong commercial contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise effectively, and manage multiple matters simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Commercially aware with a pragmatic and business-oriented approach to legal advice.

DESIRABLE:

• Experience advising on and supporting construction, engineering or infrastructure projects.
• Expertise in drafting and negotiating complex construction and procurement contracts (including NEC and FIDIC).
• In-house legal experience within a project-delivery environment.
• Knowledge of planning, environmental or energy regulatory frameworks.

PERSONAL QUALITIES/COMPETENCIES:

• A “can-do” attitude.
• Effective communicator (orally and in writing).
• Collaborative and approachable.
• Commercially focused and solutions driven.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Able to balance legal risk with business objectives.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic growth environment.

Submit an application

Apply Now

Fill in your details and a member from the team will be in contact with you.

Join us in our mission.

Help us create a greener future together. Find out why wind and solar energy are crucial for powering a sustainable future and how you can be a part of the renewable energy transformation that will benefit communities, businesses, and the environment. Join us on our journey, together to a greener future. 

Learn More

Get in touch