At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal guidance on major energy infrastructure projects and navigate complex legal challenges.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in the energy transition with a commitment to integrity and responsibility.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible working, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the UK's energy network while making a positive impact on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years' experience in construction or utilities law.
The predicted salary is between 59800 - 89800 £ per year.
Base Location: You'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in one of the following locations: Perth, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness.
Salary: £59,800 - £89,800 + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available.
The Role: Are you looking for an opportunity to use your legal expertise to help shape the future of the UK's energy network? As a Senior Solicitor within SSEN Transmission's Construction and Commercial Legal Team, you'll play a key role in supporting some of the UK's most significant energy infrastructure projects. Working alongside colleagues across Legal, specialist corporate functions and the wider business, you'll provide trusted legal guidance on a diverse range of construction, engineering, commercial and regulatory matters. Through your work, you'll help deliver projects that support the transition to a low-carbon future, whilst ensuring safety, collaboration and responsible decision-making remain at the heart of everything we do.
You Will:
- Provide clear, pragmatic and commercially focused legal advice across a broad range of construction, engineering, commercial and regulatory matters, supporting both operational assets and major infrastructure projects.
- Build trusted, collaborative relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and external advisors, creating an inclusive environment where knowledge sharing and partnership thrive.
- Support the business in achieving its strategic ambitions by helping teams navigate legal challenges safely, effectively and with confidence.
- Lead on complex legal matters, engaging and managing external legal partners where appropriate to deliver the best outcomes.
- Promote a culture where safety, integrity, wellbeing and responsible risk management are embedded in decision-making and project delivery.
You Have:
- Qualified as a Solicitor in Scotland and/or England & Wales with at least 5 years' PQE and strong knowledge of legal and commercial issues within construction, utilities or infrastructure environments.
- Significant experience drafting, negotiating and advising on engineering, construction and commercial agreements, ideally within the energy or utilities sector.
- The ability to confidently lead high-value, complex and business-critical matters, balancing commercial objectives with legal and safety considerations.
- A collaborative, solutions-focused approach, with the ability to provide clear, practical advice and constructively influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Resilience, sound judgement and a calm, supportive leadership style, with the confidence to navigate challenging situations and help teams achieve positive outcomes together.
About SSE: SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030. At SSE, we've created a culture of integrity, quality, responsibility and ethical behaviour. Our Legal division protects our culture by ensuring our actions are legally sound and in line with business priorities. They identify legal risk, provide advice on regulatory and statutory obligations, and help each SSE business meet its strategic goals.
Flexible Benefits To Fit Your Life: Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.
Work with an equal opportunity employer: SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact Janet.Gossman@sse.com / 01738 351816 to discuss how we can support you. We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.
Senior Solicitor (Commercial and Construction) employer: SSE PLC
SSE plc is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and work-life balance, offering flexible working patterns in a dynamic hybrid environment. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have access to generous benefits and opportunities for growth within the energy sector, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while contributing to impactful energy infrastructure projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Solicitor (Commercial and Construction)
✨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 SSE PLC, 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 Senior Solicitor (Commercial and Construction)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at SSE PLC, 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 SSE PLC and the specific role of Senior Solicitor (Commercial and Construction). 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 SSE PLC’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC
✨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 SSE PLC.
✨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 SSE PLC.
