At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team advising on complex energy transactions across the globe.
- Company: A unique law firm dedicated solely to energy transactions in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative culture, and genuine flexibility.
- Other info: Opportunity to get ahead in a proactive hiring process.
- Why this job: Be part of a close-knit team making impactful decisions in the energy sector.
- Qualifications: 1-4 PQE corporate lawyers with cross-border and energy sector experience.
The predicted salary is between 158000 - 171000 £ per year.
We are building early‑stage pipeline for a Corporate Associate opportunity at one of London's most distinctive and specialist international energy practices. This is not yet a fully live mandate; the team is planning ahead proactively but there is genuine intent to hire, no candidates currently in process, and a real opportunity for the right profile to get ahead of the market.
The Firm & Team
This is a unique platform in the London legal market. The firm is the only law firm in London solely dedicated to energy transactions, finance, projects and dispute resolution, giving it a market position that no generalist competitor can replicate. The Corporate team sits within this specialist energy context, advising on complex, cross‑border transactions across Africa, the Middle East and the United States with a primary focus on oil and gas – one of the most technically demanding and internationally complex deal environments in the market. The firm has a unique position in the London legal market and demonstrates particular strength in upstream oil and gas financing as well as the development of floating LNG projects. Its lawyers regularly handle restructurings and a range of M&A work across the sector, with clients including major financial institutions and energy companies as well as private equity‑backed new entrants. The firm's global reach extends to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America. Chambers Global 2026 recognised the firm as a global leader in energy, finance and infrastructure, awarding Band 1 rankings for both USA: Energy: Oil & Gas and UK: Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas, with clients praising the firm's cross‑border capabilities and depth in complex energy and infrastructure matters.
The Corporate team itself is close‑knit and highly collaborative — described internally as a "wolf pack" in the best sense — where lawyers work across all partners and matters rather than in silos. The culture is energetic, outgoing, and commercially driven without being overly rigid or hierarchical. Personality fit and team integration are as important as technical ability.
The Work
The deal flow reflects the firm's genuinely distinctive global network. Associates in this team work on cross‑border corporate transactions spanning oil and gas acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, complex multi‑jurisdictional M&A and project‑related corporate structures often involving African and Middle Eastern counterparties, including sovereign and government entities, and coordinating across multiple time zones and legal systems simultaneously. Renewables and energy transition work is a growing area alongside the core oil and gas practice. This is not siloed or narrowly defined work. It is the kind of complex, sometimes unpredictable, international transactional environment where lawyers develop broad judgement and deep commercial instinct quickly.
Why This Opportunity?
The compensation is benchmarked against leading US firm rates NQ salaries in the region of £158,000–£171,000 meaning candidates are not trading pay to move. What they are gaining is a materially different working environment: more collaborative, more team‑oriented, and more trust‑based than the typical high‑intensity US firm model, with genuine flexibility for those who deliver. The team actively supports the development of its lawyers and is willing to bring on slightly more junior candidates if the fit is right and the ambition is clear. Crucially, there are no candidates currently in play. This is a genuine pipeline opportunity for a well‑positioned candidate to be first to the table.
What They Are Looking For
The team is targeting corporate lawyers at 1–4 PQE. Backgrounds from US or international firms are strongly preferred given the nature of the cross‑border work, though strong candidates from UK firms with relevant energy and international exposure will be considered. Non‑negotiable requirements include solid corporate transactional experience, genuine exposure to cross‑border and multi‑jurisdictional deal execution, and critically experience in or a strong interest in the energy sector, particularly oil and gas. Africa‑related transaction experience is a significant advantage given the complexity of the jurisdictions involved. Behaviourally, the team is looking for someone who is outgoing, commercially minded, comfortable with ambiguity and fast‑moving deal environments, and who genuinely wants to be part of a tight‑knit, collaborative team rather than a large hierarchical machine. Candidates without cross‑border experience or energy sector exposure will not be considered. In‑house backgrounds are not preferred unless directly relevant. Given the pipeline nature of this opportunity, timing and feedback may be slower than a fully live search. We are collecting strong CVs now to present ahead of the formal process opening. If you are a corporate lawyer with energy and international experience and are open to a confidential conversation, please reach out directly.
Corporate Energy Associate employer: Buchanan Law
As a leading specialist in energy law, this firm offers an exceptional work environment for Corporate Energy Associates in London, characterised by a collaborative and dynamic culture that prioritises team integration and personal growth. With competitive compensation benchmarked against top US firms and a focus on complex, cross-border transactions, employees benefit from unique opportunities to develop their expertise in the energy sector while working alongside industry leaders in a supportive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Energy Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the energy sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in industry events and seminars. These are great places to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for energy law. Plus, it’s a chance to learn more about the latest trends and challenges in the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow firms and key players in the energy market on LinkedIn. Engage with their content and share your insights to get noticed. It’s all about building your personal brand!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who fit the bill. By applying directly, you’ll be at the forefront of our hiring process and increase your chances of landing that Corporate Energy Associate role.
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Energy Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your corporate transactional experience, especially in the energy sector. We want to see how your background aligns with the unique demands of cross-border deals in oil and gas.
Show Your Passion:In your cover letter, let us know why you're excited about working in the energy sector. Share any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your interest in oil and gas, as we value genuine enthusiasm for the field.
Highlight Teamwork Skills:Since our team is all about collaboration, emphasise your ability to work well in a close-knit environment. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated on complex transactions or projects in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly. Plus, it shows us you're proactive and keen to join our distinctive team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Buchanan Law
✨Know Your Energy Sector
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and developments in the energy sector, especially oil and gas. Familiarise yourself with key players, recent transactions, and any relevant regulations. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Highlight Cross-Border Experience
Since the role involves complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions, be ready to discuss your previous experiences in cross-border deals. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to navigate different legal systems and cultures, as this will be crucial for the firm's international work.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
The firm values a close-knit, team-oriented culture. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams, particularly in high-pressure environments. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and adapt to different working styles, as this will resonate well with their 'wolf pack' mentality.
✨Prepare for Ambiguity
Given the unpredictable nature of the energy sector, it's important to demonstrate your comfort with ambiguity. Think of instances where you've thrived in fast-moving situations or had to make decisions with incomplete information. This will highlight your commercial mindset and adaptability, which are key traits they’re looking for.
