Lawyer - Connections & Networks
About us
National Grid touches the lives of almost everyone in the UK, with an energy network that stretches across the Atlantic. We’re an international team, and our work underpins the lives of millions of people. Feet forward, head up, and eyes bright, we’re working hard to create value for people today – and shape the future of energy tomorrow. In the UK, we don’t generate or sell energy – we join the dots to get energy from A to B. NGET owns and operates the high voltage electricity transmission system in England and Wales. Our role is key in enabling the transition to a low carbon energy system by designing and building the generation and demand connections and wider infrastructure needed to meet the UK’s ambitious net zero targets
There’s never been a better time to work in energy. It’s a time of opportunity and transformation as we strive to provide a greener, cleaner energy system for the country. We’re looking for people with the skills and enthusiasm to help deliver for our customers today and build an energy network that’s fit for the future. In return we can offer you the chance to make a real impact at work.
We are recruiting a qualified solicitor with experience in any or all of commercial contracts, regulatory law and/or disputes, to support the UK Legal Connections & Networks team and work on a wide variety of energy-related matters. The role will be based out of our Warwick, UK office; we operate a hybrid working policy, and a typical working pattern would be three days per week in Warwick, with the rest of the week flexible. We’re happy to discuss additional flexibility in working patterns or requirements that you feel could help to make this job work for you.
About the role
You will work closely with colleagues in the UK Legal team alongside the National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) Customer Connections team, to provide legal support on connection agreement drafting and negotiation, as well as responding to queries related to connection projects and the associated regulatory framework. Such work may also include regulatory advice and preliminary disputes advice and support.
Alongside strong legal skills, we are looking for an individual who is interested in the energy sector and the UK’s net zero transition, although previous industry experience is not required. Over the next decade, NGET will play a central role in the largest expansion of the electricity transmission system seen in Great Britain for a generation, with plans to invest up to £35 billion between 2026 and 2031 to upgrade and expand the network, nearly doubling transmission capacity and enabling new generation and demand connections. This role offers the opportunity to support the business at a time of unprecedented investment, transformation and national impact.
This role will give you the opportunity to be a good communicator and problem solver, be able to listen effectively and advise a range of business and Legal colleagues within National Grid in relation to contractual terms and related issues.
What you'll do
• Provide day-to-day legal support on connection agreements to the National Electricity Transmission System, including drafting, reviewing and negotiating terms in line with industry codes and the regulatory framework.
• Advise the NGET Customer Connections team and wider business on contractual and regulatory issues arising from connection projects, responding to queries clearly and pragmatically.
• Support the implementation and operation of Connections Reform, providing legal advice on its application and helping the business navigate related complexities.
• Support delivery of legal services aligned with the Group General Counsel’s strategic objectives, including contributing to the ongoing digital transformation of legal processes, templates and ways of working.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency and scalability in legal support through process design, standardisation and appropriate use of legal technology.
• Work closely with colleagues across Legal and the business to support constructive engagement with our regulator, Ofgem, ensuring advice and communications are clear, accurate and appropriately framed.
• Work collaboratively across UK Legal, sharing knowledge and supporting senior lawyers in briefing internal and external stakeholders on connections related matters.
• Support the handling of preliminary disputes and complaints arising from connection projects and regulatory change, working within established processes and escalation frameworks, including assisting with the coordination of internal stakeholders and, where required, external legal advisers.
• Participate in internal meetings and connection “surgeries”, helping to resolve issues and support effective project delivery.
• Contribute to wider commercial, construction and regulatory work as required.
• Instruct and manage external legal advisers where appropriate and contribute to ad hoc projects within UK Legal.
What you'll have
• Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in commercial, disputes, construction or regulatory law, acquired in private practice and/or within an in-house legal team (you are likely to have between 2 to 7 years’ PQE, although all levels of PQE will be considered).
• A background of working in a regulated sector is desirable but not essential as full training will be provided.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and time-management skills.
• Ability to work within a team environment, with a proactive attitude and ability to build strong relationships in a team or business environment.
• Comfortable working with increasing autonomy and independence, taking responsibility for progressing matters proactively while drawing on support and supervision as needed.
• No previous experience within the energy or utilities industry is required as training will be provided, although an interest in the sector is desired.
What you'll get
A competitive salary – dependent on experience.
As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus (up to 30%) and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double-match your contribution up to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as share options, a share incentive plan, a salary sacrifice technology scheme, support via the employee assistance line and matched charity giving.
We will also support with your development during your career with National Grid.
More Information
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We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates – we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.
Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.