Infrastructure, Projects & Energy Associate/Senior Associate (2/3 years + PQE), Leeds

As part of an ongoing growth strategy, a leading national law firm is looking for an Associate or Senior Associate to join its Leeds Infrastructure, Projects & Energy team and help service its ever‑growing roster of major infrastructure, energy and utilities, transport, health, local authority and central government clients.

The team has undergone significant growth and investment in recent years. The Leeds team is recognised as pre‑eminent and top tier ranked in its key energy and transport sectors, working with utilities, integrated energy companies, developers, national and regional transport operators, private sector transport companies, funds, private equity houses and financial institutions. The firm is trusted by major institutional clients across the energy, water, and rail sectors, as well as regional and national public sector organisations including local authorities and central government departments. It also undertakes an increasing amount of work for international clients in line with its expanding global network. There is a fantastic variety of work on offer. It is not just big‑ticket, high‑pressure transactions – the team also handles a whole range of smaller matters, providing a great arena for mid‑level associates to gain experience in a supportive environment. There is an opportunity to specialise, or gain experience, in many different areas. The team is recognised for its imaginative and impactful approach, combining legal expertise with strategic consulting, legal technology, flexible resourcing, and efficient project management, and has recently received a number of industry awards for its projects, energy, technology and sustainability work.

What to Expect in the Role

You will advise on a diverse range of matters reflecting the breadth and depth of the practice, including:

• Transport: advising on the procurement of new rolling stock, rolling stock modification projects, light and heavy rail franchising issues, in‑life management, transfer schemes and franchise mobilisation, as well as a variety of general commercial and operational contracts in the wider transport sector.
• Energy: advising energy and renewables clients on project development, M&A, regulated energy work and public procurement in the energy sector, with renewables and alternative energy front and centre of the practice. The team plays a lead role on major national energy and utilities infrastructure mandates, major water sector projects, and some of the largest private sector transactions in the market (e.g. data centres, e‑HGV and fleet charging, networks and renewables).
• Social infrastructure: advising on a range of projects and matters relating to public assets and services that support communities, such as schools, hospitals, roads and strategic government projects. The team has a strong tradition in PFI and PPP (Public‑Private Partnership) work and is keen to continue growing in these markets.

The role also offers outstanding career prospects within an expanding, dynamic and sociable team. A market‑leading Associate development programme will help map out key objectives and timescales for career progression, with a mentor and frequent check‑ins provided.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

At least 2‑3 years PQE, ideally within Infrastructure, Projects & Energy, Corporate/M&A or Commercial Contracts. Strong technical legal skills, including drafting, negotiation, and interpretation of complex contracts. Inquisitive, with a genuine interest in understanding clients, their drivers and what matters to them, so that advice has quality, imagination, and impact.

Preferably (but not essential):

• Familiarity with project development, M&A, and public procurement in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
• Awareness of PFI/PPP models and relevant legal and commercial structures for social infrastructure and transport projects.

About the Firm

This is a firm where people are valued, encouraged, and challenged to fulfil their potential in a supportive and collegiate environment. A culture of improvement, growth and collaboration delivers results, drives innovation, and rewards ambition. The firm provides not only technical excellence and experience but, crucially, real insight into its clients and what matters to them — making it a natural choice for FTSE100 clients and their equivalents in other markets. Its success has been built by people from the widest range of backgrounds, locations, and perspectives, supported by a number of employee networks that provide space to discuss and celebrate difference.