In House Counsel, Commercial and Capital Delivery Legal Team in London

Who we are

National Grid’s energy network stretches across the Atlantic.

We are an international team and our work underpins the lives of millions of people, working hard to create value for people today – and shape the future of energy tomorrow.

As part of our ambitious plans to transition to Net Zero we are expanding our in-house legal team.

We are looking for a bright, enthusiastic and well-informed individual who is motivated to play their part in the energy transition, to join our General Counsel team.

This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of the energy transition and work on challenging projects that will shape the future.

About the role

As part of the broader General Counsel team, you will be providing highly responsive, positive, cost-effective and commercial legal support on behalf of the Commercial and Capital Delivery Legal Team (“C&CD”) on a wide range of business matters.

This role is ideal for a solicitor who is curious about the energy sector and keen to develop their legal career in a dynamic and forward-thinking, regulated environment.

You will support all National Grid businesses by providing advice across different legal disciplines including projects, construction, commercial, procurement, project delivery issues and dispute avoidance.

At all times, structured support will be available from senior lawyers to further your development.

You will manage your own matters, with appropriate supervision, and take increasing responsibility as your experience develops.

You will also play your part in cultivating legal excellence across the wider General Counsel team — embedding best practice, and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

What you'll do

Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating construction and commercial contracts, including standard-form and bespoke agreements, and providing input into a range of other business documents.

Working collaboratively with commercial, procurement and project delivery colleagues to identify and manage legal and contractual risk, and providing clear and concise communication of such risks (written or oral) with key stakeholders in line with our “House Style”.

• Supporting the avoidance of construction and commercial disputes.
• Conducting legal research and analysis on various legal issues.
• Supporting on development and delivery of legal training to the C&CD team and the broader General Counsel function.
• Supporting the legal team in ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Preparing legal reports, presentations, and other documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Managing external counsel to deliver cost-efficient, commercial and timely advice as required by the business.
• Expectation of utilising digital tools and technology to improve efficiency and processes within both the legal team and wider business.
• What you'll need
• A law degree (LLB or equivalent) and completion of the Legal Practice Course or equivalent qualification.
• Completed training contract and up to 4 years PQE, preferably but not necessarily, within the energy sector or a related field.
• An enthusiastic, self-starting and engaged approach, with a genuine curiosity about the energy transition.
• Experience of, or an interest in, construction or major infrastructure projects.

Familiarity with standard-form construction contracts, such as NEC, would be advantageous but is not essential.

Excellent analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Mature written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and concisely.
• Meticulous attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to work flexibly, independently and as part of a team, managing multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to work adjust one’s technique to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, from peers to senior managers.
• More Information

Don’t meet every single requirement?

Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification.

At National Grid, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace for everyone.

So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway.

You might just be the right person for our growing business in this role or another one.

What You'll

Get

• Competitive salary and benefits package, dependent on experience.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Excellent training opportunities working closely with Senior Lawyers and colleagues across the business.
• The chance to work on high-profile projects that make a real difference to the future of energy.
• A minimum of 3 days per week in the office (to be based in London or Warwick).

There will be some domestic travel required as part of this role.

As well as your base salary, you will be eligible for a bonus of up to 20% of your salary for stretch performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.

You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, a salary sacrifice technology scheme, support via the employee assistance line and matched charity giving.

Further Information The closing date for this vacancy is Midnight 16 October 26, with interviews due to take place w/c 22 November 26 onwards.

We encourage candidates to submit their applications as early as possible and not to wait until the published closing date.

National Grid’s recruitment periods can and may vary.

We reserve the right to remove this advert or close it to further applications at any point during the recruitment process.

About us Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses.

We are there when people need us the most.

We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live.

The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating, and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry.

To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow.

This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people.

Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be.

We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture.

All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives and business need.

We are committed to building a workforce so we can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.