At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team advising on complex energy transactions across the globe.
- Company: A unique law firm solely focused on energy, offering a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a close-knit team in a fast-paced, innovative legal environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the energy sector while working on exciting international projects.
- Qualifications: Corporate transactional experience and a passion for the energy industry are essential.
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 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.
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 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.
It is the kind of complex, sometimes unpredictable, international transactional environment where lawyers develop broad judgment and deep commercial instinct quickly.
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.
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.
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.
Given the pipeline nature of this opportunity, timing and feedback may be slower than a fully live search. If you are a corporate lawyer with energy and international experience and are open to a confidential conversation, please reach out directly.
Energy Projects Senior Associate in City of London employer: Buchanan
Buchanan is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that empowers associates to take on significant responsibilities in complex real estate finance transactions. Located in London, the firm provides competitive compensation without the pressure of formal billable hour targets, fostering an environment where professional growth and meaningful engagement with high-value matters are prioritised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Energy Projects Senior Associate in City of London
✨Get Involved with Industry Events
The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!
✨Join Energy-focused Online Communities
Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.
✨Consider Industry Certifications
Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.
✨Apply ThroughBuchanan's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through Buchanan's website for the full-time Energy Projects Senior Associate role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Energy Projects Senior Associate in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Buchanan. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buchanan
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of Buchanan.
✨Brush Up on Industry Regulations
Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills
Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to Buchanan.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.
