At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate multimillion-pound contracts while providing real-time legal advice.
- Company: Join Solarport, the UK's leading solar infrastructure company driving the energy transition.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, enhanced leave, wellbeing days, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with active committees and a commitment to ESG.
- Why this job: Shape a growing legal function and make a real impact in the renewables sector.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in projects and commercial agreements.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Solarport is the UK's leading solar infrastructure company; designing and engineering the infrastructure for the energy transition.
We design, engineer, manufacture and install the high-quality infrastructure and solar carports that make large-scale clean energy possible.
Our work underpins some of the most significant renewable energy projects in Britain and beyond.
We are, first and foremost, an engineering and design company, and proudly at the top of our game.
Our in-house design and engineering capability is what sets us apart: we solve the hard structural and technical problems that others cannot, and we deliver infrastructure that performs, endures and scales.
Ours is a story of resilience and innovation.
Founded just over a decade ago when solar subsidies fell off a cliff-edge, our founder spotted an opportunity where others saw the exit.
Since then we have grown rapidly into a category-defining business, delivering multiple concurrent projects, from major client delivery and office/factory expansion to new product lines and continuous operational improvement.
We have achieved remarkable growth whilst keeping our people at the heart of what we do.
We have an industry-leading commitment to ESG, active committees and a Women's Forum, and a culture that is ambitious, collaborative and projects led.
We are determined to set new standards in our industry, and we mean it.
The opportunity
This is a pivotal role for a commercially sharp, technically excellent lawyer who wants high-quality work in a business that is scaling fast.
Working directly with our GC and Senior Legal Counsel, you will support on a varied commercial and project contract workload, including the multimillion-pound contracts that sit at the core of our project delivery.
You will not be a back-office gatekeeper, instead you will be embedded in the business, sitting alongside our engineering, design, sales and operations teams, providing real-time, pragmatic legal input on the decisions that make a difference.
This is an opportunity to help shape a growing legal function, build the frameworks that will support the next phase of our growth, and see the direct impact of your work on infrastructure being built across the UK.
The role
- Commercial contracts
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating multimillion-pound supply, manufacturing, installation and framework agreements.
Lead complex negotiations with major EPC clients, contractors and suppliers.
- Advise on the full contract lifecycle across our engineering, design and installation projects, from tender and bid support through to delivery, variations and completion.
- Support with the Development and maintenance of contract templates, playbooks and guidance that enable the business to move quickly and confidently on routine matters.
- Embedded business partnering
- Work as an integrated, accessible partner across the business providing clear and practical legal advice in real time.
- Support business development, tenders and bids for major infrastructure projects.
- Identify, assess and communicate commercial and legal risk in a way the business can act on.
- Act as a trusted adviser and role model, contributing to a legal function that is a business enabler rather than a support function.
- Governance, policy and compliance
- Support the GC and Senior Legal Counsel in developing and embedding legal policies, frameworks and compliance processes across the business.
- Contribute to our strong ESG, sustainability and governance agenda.
- Help build the infrastructure of the legal function itself, including templates, systems, training and guidance, as we scale.
About you
- Qualified solicitor in England and Wales.
- Projects and/or construction experience.
- Demonstrable experience drafting and negotiating substantial commercial and project agreements, ideally including high-value contracts.
- Commercially astute and pragmatic.
- A natural relationship-builder who embeds as a business partner and communicates clearly with non-lawyers.
- Sound judgement, attention to detail and a solutions-focused mindset.
- Why join Solarport
- Work in the renewables sector at the UK's leading solar infrastructure company, an engineering and design business at the top of its game.
- Support high-value, high-impact commercial and project contracts.
- Help shape a growing legal function.
- Competitive salary based on experience, plus discretionary annual bonus.
- Employer contributions to pension scheme.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
- Two wellbeing days per year, in addition to your annual leave entitlement.
- Two volunteering days per year, in addition to your annual leave entitlement.
- Enhanced annual leave entitlement.
- Death in service cover.
- EV car scheme, via salary sacrifice.
- Cycle to work scheme, via salary sacrifice.
- Quarterly social events.
- Flexible and hybrid working, with access to our new central Bristol office.
- A market-leading commitment to ESG.
- Active committees (Charity, ESG, DEI and Social) and a Women's Forum.
- A culture of ambition, collaboration and growth.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Legal Counsel employer: SOLARPORT
Solarport is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the forefront of the renewable energy sector. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, competitive salaries, and opportunities for professional growth, we foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. Our central Bristol location provides a vibrant setting for our team to thrive, supported by flexible working arrangements and active engagement in ESG initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
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.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including SOLARPORT, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at SOLARPORT, 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 SOLARPORT and the specific role of Legal Counsel. 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 SOLARPORT’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at SOLARPORT
✨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 SOLARPORT.
✨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 SOLARPORT.
