Legal Counsel

**Legal Counsel (Commercial)** ESP Utilities is seeking a Legal Counsel (Commercial) to join the business. This is a new role due to continued growth. It is an amazing opportunity to help develop \& progress to the next level. **Role Purpose** * Advise the business on commercial matters, risks and legal compliance. * Support negotiation and take the lead on managing commercial transactions from internal instruction to close and completion. * Developing new contract templates for commercial related matters. * Communicating legal concepts in an understandable way to internal stakeholders. * Managing and resolving legal disputes, such as claims. **Key Responsibilities** * Negotiation of a wide range of commercial agreements, from purchase agreements to key supplier agreements. * If required, prepare brief for any external commercial and construction legal support required and manage said appointments. * Conduct executive reports on due diligence for commercial projects. * Train and supervise paralegals, on commercial legal matters. * Provide ad\-hoc legal advice and support to ESP colleagues relating to commercial matters and contract management. * Develop and draft bespoke contracts terms for various departments within the business to reflect the needs of ESP. * Be involved in the negotiation of the legal framework supporting major and minor Electricity/Water/Heat schemes which are nationally significant. **Person Specification** * Qualified solicitor, minimum 3 years PQE. * Proven track record of negotiating and advising on commercial contracts. * Experience dealing with the legalities of large scale residential and/or commercial developments. * Experience within the utilities/energy sector (desirable). * Experience supervising or managing junior members of staff (desirable). * Strong communication and inter\-personal skills with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues and external parties. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. * Strongly analytical, with well\-developed problem\-solving skills and proficient with MS Office.