Legal Counsel - VR/30603

Join a global energy company’s International Legal Team based in Uxbridge, west London (4-days/week in the office). Advising on high-value cross-border transactions, joint ventures, compliance, and commercial contracts, this permanent role offers exposure to major energy projects worldwide, requiring strong commercial law expertise and stakeholder management skills. Ideal for an Associate-level solicitor with energy sector experience.

Company Overview

A global energy company with businesses in Asia, Africa, Americas, Middle East and Europe. The company is committed to building a safe, healthy and sustainable energy development model. At present, they are moving steadily towards the goal of becoming a world-class energy company with a global vision, global strategy and global compliance operation. Their successful growth as an oil and gas producer has been achieved by consistently finding and developing world-class assets.

The business is focused on safely exploring and producing from conventional offshore, unconventional and oil sands assets. The group of companies, which span the entire energy supply chain, our size and capability create a competitive advantage that ensures we deliver long-term value. Our growth strategy is to safely and sustainably develop our high-quality portfolio to deliver energy for all.

The company take pride in the corporate culture. They foster an ethical, responsible and safety-first mindset to build trust among our stakeholders. Bold ideas, diverse perspectives and the determination to fuel our success are what set us apart. Working for us means no matter what you do, you can make an immediate impact. The company is one of the largest and most reputable oil producers in the UK North Sea and holds material interests in world-class discoveries across South America and Africa. The business strategy is to maximize the value of our existing portfolio while creating new opportunities for further global growth.

Duties and Responsibilities

The company are seeking a Legal Counsel to join the International Legal Team based in Uxbridge.

As part of the group, this role provides legal support and advice to some of the most important and significant energy projects around the world, including host government negotiations, joint venture agreements, acquisition and divestment agreements, material commercial contracts, compliance issues and potential disputes. The role is primarily focussed on conventional oil and gas, although there may be some scope to support on the company’s net zero activities.

The individual will support several business groups across the organisation and will be fully integrated within the International Legal, Compliance and Corporate Governance Team.

The Legal Counsel will report to the Managing Counsel – International and provide support to key stakeholders across the business, including:

• Supporting the company’s exploration growth strategy by advising on confidentiality agreements, data purchase agreements, AMIs, joint bidding arrangements, host government contracts and joint operating agreements.
• Supporting the company’s acquisition growth strategy by advising on confidentiality agreements, due diligence (including both legal and compliance) and transaction documents (including farmout agreements, carry agreements, asset purchase agreements, share purchase agreements and joint operating agreements).
• Demonstrating efficient project and transaction management of multiple stakeholders, service providers and clients located across in offices in multiple jurisdictions. with a high level of cultural intelligence
• Advising on regulatory and compliance issues in relation to production sharing contracts, local law compliance and global anti-bribery and corruption standards including, where necessary, instructing and ensuring effective use of external advisers and law firms.
• Reviewing and negotiating material commercial contracts by providing legal and commercial support to the global supply chain function, in relation to procurement for exploration, production and development operations.
• The role will also gain exposure to reviewing and negotiating key upstream agreements such as construction and tie in agreements, transportation and processing agreements, lifting agreements and carbon capture and storage arrangements.
• Ensuring legal and compliance management of all material rights and obligations and preparing comprehensive compliance plans for all new country entries including, where necessary, submissions to compliance committees.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

As a qualified solicitor in England & Wales or Scotland, you will have demonstrable legal experience at Associate level, advising on cross-border transactions or projects, ideally within the energy sector, either in-house or in private practice. You will possess strong commercial law expertise and the ability to balance legal and business risks while effectively communicating with clients. Confidence in project management, including providing commercial guidance on deal structuring and key value items, is essential.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with excellent interpersonal abilities, will enable you to work effectively in cross-functional teams and adapt to diverse cultures. A team-oriented mindset, proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and the ability to prioritise, multi-task, and work independently are also key requirements.