Legal Counsel - Renewable Energy Development & Investment
Our client is a leading renewable energy investor and developer, deploying capital across large-scale solar, wind, and battery storage projects throughout Australia. They are building a diverse portfolio of clean energy generation assets and require legal expertise to support their ambitious growth strategy.
This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of energy markets, infrastructure investment, and legal practice, supporting the development and acquisition of renewable energy projects that are critical to Australia's energy transition.
The Role
You will provide comprehensive legal support across the renewable energy project lifecycle, from early-stage greenfield developments through to acquisition, financing, and operational management. This position requires expertise in structuring complex transactions, negotiating commercial agreements, and managing regulatory and compliance matters across multiple jurisdictions. You will work closely with investment, development, and asset management teams to deliver legal solutions that enable project execution whilst managing risk effectively.
Key Responsibilities
* Advise on renewable energy project acquisitions and asset disposals, including due diligence, transaction structuring, and completion
* Structure and negotiate joint venture arrangements and partnership agreements for project development and ownership
* Support greenfield project development, including land agreements, grid connection, planning approvals, and environmental compliance
* Advise on project financing structures, including debt facilities, equity arrangements, and security documentation
* Draft and negotiate commercial contracts, including power purchase agreements, EPC contracts, O&M agreements, and offtake arrangements
* Manage dispute resolution and litigation matters, including contractual disputes, regulatory proceedings, and commercial arbitration
* Ensure compliance with energy market regulations, environmental laws, and corporate governance requirements
* Provide strategic legal advice on market developments, regulatory changes, and emerging risks in the renewable energy sector
Key Qualifications
* 4–8 years' post‑qualification experience in corporate, commercial, or project law with demonstrated exposure to energy, infrastructure, or renewables
* Strong transaction experience, including M&A, joint ventures, or project finance
* Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex commercial agreements
* Understanding of renewable energy markets, regulations, and project development processes
* Experience managing external legal advisers and coordinating multi‑party transactions
* Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance legal risk with business objectives
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
* Admitted legal practitioner in Australia
* Direct experience in renewable energy, power generation, or battery storage projects
* Knowledge of National Electricity Market regulations and grid connection processes
* Experience with planning and environmental approvals for energy infrastructure
* Exposure to construction contracts and EPC arrangements
* Understanding of energy market commercial structures and revenue mechanisms
Working Arrangements
Hybrid working arrangements with flexibility between office and remote work.
Remuneration and Benefits
* Performance‑based incentives
* Attractive novated leasing arrangements
* Comprehensive private health insurance for employee and family
* Annual salary reviews
* Additional annual leave options
* Professional development support and continuing legal education
* Collaborative working environment with investment and development professionals
* Career progression opportunities in renewable energy and infrastructure investment
* Employee wellness programmes and EAP support
Selection Process
1. Initial screening call
2. Follow‑up interview with a D'Arcy Weil consultant
3. Interview with client
4. Final interview with senior leadership
To Apply
* Your experience with energy, infrastructure, or renewable energy projects
* Your transaction and commercial contracting experience
* Your understanding of renewable energy markets and regulations
* Examples of complex matters you have managed independently
Further Information
Only candidates with Australian working rights will be considered.
Job Attributes
* Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
* Employment type: Full‑time
* Job function: Legal
* Industries: Business Consulting and Services
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