Legal Counsel – Bristol
Sector: Renewable Energy (Solar, Battery Storage, Infrastructure)
Location: Central Bristol
Reporting to: General Counsel
Clear Wave Search is working with a fast‑growing renewable energy business delivering utility‑scale solar and battery projects.
Located in their central Bristol office, this role is an in-house Legal Counsel position within a growing legal team.
You’ll be embedded directly into engineering, procurement and project delivery teams, shaping how major infrastructure is contracted, built and operated. This is a hands‑on, commercially focused position where your legal work directly influences timelines, cost certainty and project performance.
PQE isn’t the key determinant for this role - the focus is on finding someone with the right blend of construction or project‑focused contracting experience, commercial judgement and the ability to work closely with project teams.
Whether you’re currently in-house or private practice, what matters most is your capability, mindset and confidence operating in a fast‑paced project environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
Construction & Project Delivery Contracts
You’ll take ownership of the contracts that underpin project delivery; drafting, negotiating and managing EPC agreements, supply & install contracts, O&M agreements, subcontractor packages and equipment frameworks. You’ll also oversee warranties, performance guarantees and commissioning obligations, ensuring the organisation is protected throughout the build‑out of solar and battery infrastructure.
Procurement & Supply Chain Support
Working closely with procurement and engineering teams, you’ll negotiate supplier contracts, support tender processes, review technical specifications and ensure contractual alignment across multiple workstreams. Your input will directly influence project timelines, cost certainty and contractor performance.
Full Project Lifecycle Legal Support
You’ll advise across the entire lifecycle of renewable projects - from early‑stage feasibility and design, through construction and installation, to commissioning, testing and long‑term operations. You’ll troubleshoot issues on live projects, manage contractor queries and provide practical, commercially focused guidance to project managers.
Risk Management & Commercial Advisory
You’ll help identify and mitigate construction, performance and interface risk across multiple projects. This includes advising on delays, defects, variations, site issues, tender documentation and qualification criteria. Your advice will shape how projects are delivered on the ground.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
You’ll work daily with engineers, project managers, procurement teams, operations teams and senior leadership.
What You’ll Bring
- Strong experience in construction, infrastructure or project‑delivery contracting.
- 1-5 years PQE, either from an in-house or private practice position.
- Confidence negotiating with contractors, suppliers and technical teams.
- Experience working directly with project managers, engineers or operational teams.
- Ability to manage multiple live matters simultaneously and prioritise under pressure.
- Strong understanding of construction risk, performance obligations and interface issues.
- Experience with NEC, JCT or similar construction contract suites (highly advantageous).
- Confidence reviewing technical documentation and spotting commercial or delivery risk.
Why Join?
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Commitment to training and professional development opportunities.
- Competitive salary, discretionary performance-based bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
If you think your legal experience is a good match, apply using the links or email lukemankee@clearwavesearch.com with your CV attached.
Applicants must already hold full, unrestricted rights to work in the UK. Unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available for this position.