Senior Associate Transactions and Energy (Legal) at AINA BLANKSON LP

Job description

• We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Transactions and Energy Lawyer to advise on complex energy, infrastructure, and commercial transactions. The ideal candidate will provide strategic legal guidance across all aspects of project development, energy regulatory compliance, M&A, joint ventures, and financing arrangements, particularly in the oil & gas, power, and renewable energy sectors.

Key Responsibilities: Transactional Legal Support

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts including:
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
• Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts
• Joint Venture Agreements (JVAs)
• Oil & Gas Sale and Purchase Agreements
• Gas Transportation Agreements
• Shareholder Agreements and other M&A documents
• Structure, negotiate, and close project finance and infrastructure development deals.

Energy & Natural Resources Law

• Provide legal advisory services on regulatory frameworks for upstream, midstream, and downstream energy activities.
• Advise on licensing, compliance, and environmental requirements under applicable laws and regulations.
• Support clients on energy transition issues, including renewable energy investments and climate-related obligations.

Due Diligence & Risk Management

• Lead or support legal due diligence exercises in acquisitions, divestments, or project development.
• Identify and manage legal and commercial risks in transactional documents and negotiations.

Client Relationship & Strategy

• Work directly with clients, government regulators, and external counsel.
• Provide strategic advice to clients and internal stakeholders on project structuring and risk mitigation.
• Participate in business development initiatives and thought leadership within the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Legal Research & Knowledge Management

• Conduct high-level legal research on developments in energy, commercial, and investment law.
• Maintain and contribute to internal knowledge management systems and precedents.

Qualifications and Experience:

• LL.B. and BL (or equivalent legal qualifications); LLM in Energy Law or related field is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5–7 years post-call experience, with significant exposure to energy and commercial transactions.
• Demonstrated experience handling high-value energy projects (oil & gas, power, renewables).
• Strong knowledge of applicable legal and regulatory frameworks in [jurisdiction/region].
• Experience in advising clients on cross-border transactions is a plus.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• In-depth understanding of the commercial and technical drivers of energy and infrastructure projects.
• Strong interpersonal and client-handling skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple transactions simultaneously.
• Strong business acumen and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.