About the job

Rutherford is partnered with a leading international law firm renowned for its specialist focus in the energy sector. The firm is seeking a 1–2 PQE Energy Solicitor to join its London-based Corporate & Projects team, advising clients across the full oil and gas value chain, from upstream exploration and production through to midstream transportation and downstream refining, offtake, and marketing.

You’ll work on a broad mix of corporate and project-related matters, including M&A, asset acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, project development, and complex commercial arrangements. The role offers significant exposure to cross-border and emerging markets transactions, particularly across Africa and other developing jurisdictions, within a highly regarded energy-focused practice.

Key responsibilities

• Advise on corporate and project transactions across the oil and gas sector, including M&A, asset sales and purchases, and joint ventures.
• Support the development and financing of energy projects, working across upstream, midstream, and downstream assets.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key commercial and project documentation, including production-sharing contracts (PSCs), joint operating agreements (JOAs), transportation and offtake agreements, and logistics arrangements.
• Assist on cross-border and emerging markets transactions, often involving complex regulatory and commercial considerations.
• Work closely with clients, counterparties, and advisers to deliver pragmatic, commercially focused advice.
• Collaborate with colleagues across corporate, finance, regulatory, and projects teams on integrated mandates.

What you’ll bring

• 1–2 years’ PQE in energy, projects, and corporate law, ideally with exposure to oil and gas transactions.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills, with an interest in complex commercial agreements and project documentation.
• Commercial awareness and curiosity about the global energy markets.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, international team environment.
• Confidence engaging with clients on cross-border matters and emerging markets work.

• Why join

  You’ll join a globally recognised energy practice with a deep sector focus and a long-standing reputation in oil and gas and energy infrastructure. The team is known for its hands-on training, close partner access, and international deal exposure, particularly across Africa and other growth markets.

  
  

  This is an excellent opportunity for a junior associate to build specialist expertise in energy and projects work, gain early responsibility, and develop a truly international practice within a supportive, high-calibre team.

  
  

  If this has caught your interest, I’d love to hear from you. You can apply via the link or contact me directly at pascale@rutherfordsearch.com or 020 3778 2207.