At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on commercial, corporate, and regulatory matters while supporting strategic projects.
- Company: Join SONI, a leader in sustainable energy management in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, enhanced holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and supports flexible working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy projects that benefit communities and the environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with at least 2 years' experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Commercial Solicitor
Join to apply for the Commercial Solicitor role at Eir Grid Group.
- Role Details
- Role Title: Commercial Solicitor
- Reports to: Head of Governance, Risk, Compliance & Legal
About Us
SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) manages and develops Northern Ireland's electricity transmission system.
We play a leading role in powering a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Our workplace is collaborative, supportive and mission driven.
We value diverse perspectives, continuous learning and a culture where everyone can thrive.
If you're passionate about contributing to a greener future and want to grow your career in a supportive professional environment, we would love to hear from you.
The Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a legal professional who enjoys working on varied and meaningful work across commercial, corporate, procurement and regulatory matters.
You will join a growing inhouse legal team where knowledge sharing, teamwork and professional development are core values.
You will contribute to SONI's strategic objectives by providing accessible, solution focused legal advice and working closely with colleagues across the business.
- You Will Be Responsible For
- Provide legal advice on statutory and regulatory obligations relevant to SONI as the Transmission System Operator and Market Operator for Northern Ireland (e. g. planning, environmental law, connection agreements, procurement, competition law and licensing requirements).
- Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and support the organisation in understanding impacts and required actions.
- Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements including supply contracts, service level agreements, framework contracts, procurement documentation, IT licences and consultancy agreements.
- Collaborate with regulatory, operational, engineering and commercial teams to support strategic projects (e. g. infrastructure upgrades, network investment, regulatory submissions and capital projects).
- Communicate legal issues clearly and constructively to colleagues who are not legal specialists.
- Assist with managing disputes, litigation, arbitration, and other resolution processes.
- Support corporate governance activities including Board support, drafting Board papers, and maintaining statutory registers.
- Build strong partnerships with internal teams, regulators, external advisers, and industry partners.
- Manage relationships with external legals advisors and ensure best value for the organisation.
- Contribute to legal team initiatives, knowledge sharing and organisational learning.
- Undertake additional tasks as reasonably required.
About You
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experience.
Even if you don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply if you feel you have relevant skills.
Essential Criteria
- Qualified lawyer with at least 2 years' post qualification experience (experience in energy, regulatory or infrastructure sectors is welcome but not essential).
- Ability to manage a varied workload and navigate a range of legal matters across areas such as procurement, commercial contracts, regulation, planning and environment, infrastructure projects and data protection.
- Strong legal and commercial judgement, and able to deliver clear and practical advice.
- Attention to detail and a collaborative, solutions-focused approach.
- Able to work effectively as part of a team and contribute to shared goals.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to learn new legal areas and develop sector-specific technical understanding.
Desirable criteria
- Experience in the energy sector, or another regulated industry.
- Experience of working in a large or complex organisation with multidisciplinary teams.
- Interest in climate change action and energy transition.
Why join us?
- Play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy projects that benefit communities and the environment.
- Enjoy a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical cover, and pension matching.
- Benefit from hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days home) and flexible start/finish times.
- Enhanced holidays, maternity and paternity leave and wellbeing days.
- Access salary sacrifice schemes (such as cycle to work, EV scheme), free car parking, onsite EV charging and complimentary lunch.
- Access professional development opportunities and clear career progression pathways.
- We offer an inclusive culture that values diversity, supports flexible working and empowers you to grow.
We know flexible working means different things to different people.
Contact us if you'd like to talk about how this role could work for you.
- Application Deadline
- Closing date for applications is
9 January 2026 . Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).
Equal Opportunity Statement
SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
We particularly encourage women to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in our organisation.
We have a duty to prevent illegal working and applicants must demonstrate they have a legal right to work in the UK.
SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy.
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Commercial Solicitor in Belfast employer: EirGrid Group
EirGrid Group is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work environment in Belfast that prioritises professional growth and diverse perspectives. As a Commercial Solicitor, you will engage in meaningful legal work that contributes to sustainable energy projects while enjoying benefits such as hybrid working, competitive salary, and comprehensive wellness programmes. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to shaping a greener future and advancing your career in a dynamic legal landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Solicitor in Belfast
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
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Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
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We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Solicitor in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at EirGrid Group, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in EirGrid Group and the specific role of Commercial Solicitor. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for EirGrid Group’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at EirGrid Group
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at EirGrid Group.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at EirGrid Group.
