Interim Legal Counsel – Energy & Commodities Trading
Posted 2 days ago by Hydrogen Group
Negotiable
Undetermined
Undetermined
London Area, United Kingdom
Summary: The role of Interim Legal Counsel focuses on providing legal support for a leading global energy trading business, specifically in the areas of UK and European gas, power, and environmental commodities trading. The position requires an adaptable commercial lawyer who can thrive in a fast-paced environment and take ownership of critical trading documentation and legal advice. The successful candidate will work closely with trading desks and multidisciplinary teams to drive strategic projects and assess regulatory changes. This is a high-impact role that demands immediate autonomy and expertise in energy trading documentation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Execute Trading Frameworks: Draft, structure, and close master trading documentation with global counterparties.
- Commercial Support: Provide real-time legal advice on complex transactions and deal structures.
- Maintain Suite Architecture: Update and manage the firm’s core template library.
- Drive Strategic Projects: Facilitate business growth through new product roll-outs and geographic expansion.
- Assess Regulatory Shifts: Evaluate European energy legislation and collaborate with Compliance and Regulatory Affairs.
- Manage External Counsel: Coordinate with external law firms on cross-border legal issues.
Key Skills:
- Legally qualified to practice in a European jurisdiction.
- Deep experience negotiating ISDA and EFET agreements.
- Proven track record within an in-house energy major or commodity trading house.
- Fluency in English with the ability to communicate clearly with commercial stakeholders.
- Resilient self-starter with strong attention to detail.
- Collaborative mindset to work with a high-calibre internal legal team.
Salary (Rate): undetermined
City: London Area
Country: United Kingdom
Working Arrangements: undetermined
IR35 Status: undetermined
Seniority Level: undetermined
Industry: Other
We are partnering with a leading global energy trading business to secure an experienced Interim Legal Counsel for a high-impact, business-critical contract role. This position sits directly on the pulse of the trading floor, supporting the commercial desks with UK and European gas, power, and environmental commodities trading. If you are an adaptable, commercial lawyer who thrives in a fast-paced market environment and enjoys immediate autonomy, this is an exceptional assignment.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute Trading Frameworks: Take full ownership of drafting, structuring, and closing master trading documentation with global counterparties, covering both physical asset delivery and financial hedging.
- Commercial Support: Act as a trusted legal partner to the trading desks, providing real-time, pragmatic advice on complex transactions, deal structures, and cross-border commercial initiatives.
- Maintain Suite Architecture: Proactively update and manage the firm’s core template library, including bespoke schedules and credit annexes, ensuring they align with modern market practices.
- Drive Strategic Projects: Embed within multidisciplinary project teams to facilitate structural business growth, including new product roll-outs and geographic expansion into new trading jurisdictions.
- Assess Regulatory Shifts: Evaluate upcoming European energy legislation and policy changes, collaborating with Compliance and Regulatory Affairs to future-proof the business against contractual risks.
- Manage External Counsel: Coordinate with and instruct specialist external law firms on cross-border legal issues and complex local law queries.
What Our Client Is Looking For
- Qualification: Legally qualified to practice in a European jurisdiction.
- Core Documentation Expertise: Deep, practical experience negotiating ISDA and EFET agreements (as well as related bespoke master netting and grid agreements).
- Industry Background: A proven track record within an in-house energy major, investment bank commodities desk, or dedicated commodity trading house.
- Communication Style: Complete fluency in English, with a sharp ability to strip away legalese and deliver clear, actionable decision-making frameworks to fast-moving commercial stakeholders.
Profile & Fit
A resilient self-starter who stays calm under pressure and manages fluid priorities efficiently. Highly detailed and precise, with the collaborative mindset needed to work seamlessly alongside a high-calibre internal legal team. If you are a contract lawyer with a strong background in energy trading documentation and are available at short notice, please apply or reach out directly for a confidential discussion.