Legal Counsel in Leatherhead

Legal Counsel (Commercial)

ESP Utilities is seeking a Legal Counsel (Commercial) to join the business. This is a new role due to continued growth. It is an amazing opportunity to help develop & progress to the next level.

Role Purpose

• Advise the business on commercial matters, risks and legal compliance.
• Support negotiation and take the lead on managing commercial transactions from internal instruction to close and completion.
• Developing new contract templates for commercial related matters.
• Communicating legal concepts in an understandable way to internal stakeholders.
• Managing and resolving legal disputes, such as claims.

Key Responsibilities

• Negotiation of a wide range of commercial agreements, from purchase agreements to key supplier agreements.
• If required, prepare brief for any external commercial and construction legal support required and manage said appointments.
• Conduct executive reports on due diligence for commercial projects.
• Train and supervise paralegals, on commercial legal matters.
• Provide ad-hoc legal advice and support to ESP colleagues relating to commercial matters and contract management.
• Develop and draft bespoke contracts terms for various departments within the business to reflect the needs of ESP.
• Be involved in the negotiation of the legal framework supporting major and minor Electricity/Water/Heat schemes which are nationally significant.

Person Specification

• Qualified solicitor, minimum 3 years PQE.
• Proven track record of negotiating and advising on commercial contracts.
• Experience dealing with the legalities of large scale residential and/or commercial developments.
• Experience within the utilities/energy sector (desirable).
• Experience supervising or managing junior members of staff (desirable).
• Strong communication and inter-personal skills with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues and external parties. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strongly analytical, with well-developed problem-solving skills and proficient with MS Office.