Senior Associate – Partnership Track

Energy & Infrastructure

Location: Dublin, Ireland
Start Date: Q1 2026
Practice Area: Energy & Infrastructure

About the Opportunity

Our client, a leading Irish full-service law firm with significant market presence, is seeking an ambitious Senior Associate to join their Energy & Infrastructure team on a clear partnership track.

This is a genuine partnership opportunity for an exceptional lawyer ready to take the next step in their career. You will work alongside market-leading partners on high-profile mandates while building your own client base and developing the technical expertise and commercial skills essential for partnership.

Ireland’s energy transition presents unprecedented opportunities for legal professionals in this space. This role offers the platform, mentorship, and client exposure needed to establish yourself as a future leader in energy law.

The Role

As Senior Associate on partnership track, you will work on sophisticated energy and infrastructure matters with increasing autonomy and client responsibility, including:

Renewable Energy & Energy Transition

  • Advise on development, financing, and acquisition of renewable energy projects (wind, solar, hydrogen, battery storage)
  • Support clients navigating Ireland’s energy transition and decarbonisation strategies
  • Draft and negotiate power purchase agreements (PPAs), connection agreements, and offtake arrangements
  • Advise on regulatory frameworks including renewable energy support schemes and grid connection processes

Energy Regulation & Compliance

  • Provide strategic advice on energy regulatory matters and CRU compliance
  • Advise energy companies on licensing requirements and regulatory authorisations
  • Navigate complex regulatory frameworks for electricity and gas markets
  • Support clients on energy policy developments and legislative changes

Infrastructure & Project Development

  • Work on major infrastructure projects across the energy sector
  • Advise on project development agreements, EPC contracts, and O&M arrangements
  • Support financing structures for large-scale energy and infrastructure projects
  • Handle land acquisition, planning, and environmental permitting matters

Commercial Contracting

  • Draft and negotiate complex commercial agreements for energy sector clients
  • Advise on supply agreements, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships
  • Support M&A activity in the energy and infrastructure sectors

Essential Requirements

  • Qualified Solicitor with 6-8+ years PQE, ideally with energy, infrastructure, or commercial/regulatory experience
  • Strong technical capability in drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements
  • Demonstrable interest in energy sector and understanding of energy transition challenges
  • Client relationship skills with ability to manage client matters independently
  • Business development appetite – keen to build own network and client base
  • Partnership ambition – clear desire to progress to partnership within 2-4 years

Ideal Candidate Profile

Technical Excellence

  • Strong commercial drafting and negotiation skills
  • Understanding of energy regulatory frameworks (or strong regulatory background transferable to energy)
  • Experience with project development, power sector transactions, or infrastructure matters highly desirable
  • Ability to quickly master complex technical and regulatory concepts

Commercial & Client Focus

  • Practical, solutions-oriented approach to legal advice
  • Ability to understand client business objectives and commercial drivers
  • Experience managing client relationships and running matters independently
  • Strong project management skills for complex, multi-party transactions

Business Development Mindset

  • Proactive approach to building professional networks
  • Enthusiasm for contributing to pitches, thought leadership, and sector engagement
  • Understanding that partnership requires both technical excellence and commercial contribution
  • Ambition to become recognized voice in Irish energy sector

Leadership Potential

  • Ability to mentor and supervise junior lawyers
  • Contributing team player with collaborative approach
  • High standards of professional conduct and integrity
  • Clear communicator with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders

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