About Lightsource bp
Lightsource bp (LSbp) is a global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects. We are a 50:50 joint venture with bp with a mission to help drive the world’s transition to low carbon energy.
With solar set to increase tenfold in the next 20 years, we are well-positioned to capitalise on this growth. By joining the Lightsource bp team, you will ‘be the change’ on the world’s energy transition to a more sustainable future.
We pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit as we continue to push the boundaries of an ever-changing energy landscape. By choosing a career with us, you can expect a challenging and fulfilling role surrounded by people who are passionate and have brilliant ideas about sustainable technology, innovation and making the world a better place.
Summary
The Legal Counsel will be part of the ever-growing EMEA Legal function, working closely on a day to day basis with the business development team in France to deliver our development targets, and will be expected to work independently with external counsel.
As part of the EMEA legal team you will be expected to implement and monitor compliance with the LSbp internal compliance framework and corporate approvals policies.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Legal issues arising from development of project pipeline up to ready to build, in particular land rights, permitting and planning considerations (including environmental / town planning codes and CRE specifications), monitoring relevant regulatory changes and assistance with solar urbanism initiatives.
- Assisting development team with land acquisition process including negotiation of options/promises, leases, easements, related notarisation and registration requirements, as well as continuous improvement of inhouse template land agreements.
- Management of due diligence process with external counsel for development and acquisition opportunities and proposal of risk mitigation solutions.
- Coordination with tax and finance teams to deliver optimal corporate structures in line with company policies.
- Drafting, review and negotiation of development services agreements, introducer agreements, SPAs, SHAs, JV arrangements and related project finance agreements.
- Supporting development of regional best practice including template agreements, governance processes, project analysis tools and joining team training events.
- Corporate legal and day to day business activities (i.e. drafting minutes of the board and general meetings, powers of attorney, NDAs, assistance to the other department in legal queries).
- Management of and coordination with external law firms.
- Representing LSbp in legal workshops organised by trade associations such as SER, Enerplan and La Plateforme Verte.
Knowledge and Experience
- French law qualified with minimum 4 years Post Qualification Experience.
- Experience gained in-house working with a renewable’s development team is a plus but not strictly necessary.
- Familiarity with lease/promise to lease agreements and land acquisition, registration, and notarisation process.
- Experience in the renewable energy and infrastructure sector (solar preferred).
- Experience in greenfield development, regulatory and grid infrastructure legal issues.
- Experience in agrivoltaics projects is a plus but not strictly required.
- Experience instructing and managing external/local counsel.
- Experience in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
- Familiarity with project financed power/infrastructure assets.
Skills and Attributes
- Ability to deal confidently and build strong relations with senior business colleagues.
- Flexible attitude and the ability to multi task. Strong time management / prioritisation skills.
- French and English verbal and written communication skills.
- Helpful, hardworking approach and a team player.
- Strong business acumen with ability to assess legal risk and commercial / practical considerations.
- Excellent technical drafting skills and familiarity with the documents and types of work covered in the ‘Duties and responsibilities’ section of this job description.
- Autonomous, proactive with strong analytical skills, rigorous, organised, motivated, with interpersonal skills.
Why you’ll want to work for us
Our company is a place where you can be yourself and grow, a place where your ideas and opinions matter.
Be you
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect.
Be responsible
Our culture is driven by our core values. From operating safely to ensuring our solar projects are responsible and promote biodiversity.
Be recognized
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension and other local benefits.
Be inspired
Beyond your day-to-day working life at Lightsource bp, there’s a variety of initiatives that will contribute to your own personal development. Initiatives to get involved with including our charitable causes, or supporting our solar honey project.
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