Associate

The team advises on a broad range of non-contentious oil and gas matters, with a particular focus on upstream drilling, oilfield services and the development and construction of oil and gas assets, infrastructure and facilities. The practice predominantly advises national oil company operators across the Middle East and is appointed to the legal panels of three of the region's largest sovereign oil and gas companies. The role offers exposure to major national oil company clients and sophisticated upstream, drilling, procurement and energy infrastructure matters across the Middle East.

Responsibilities

Advising clients on upstream oil and gas projects and commercial arrangements; Advising on drilling and well services contracts; Advising on day-rate rig hire agreements; Advising on oilfield equipment procurement and supply contracts; Advising on procurement, supply chain and general commercial contracts within the oil and gas sector; Advising on front-end construction and development of oil and gas assets, infrastructure and facilities; Advising on EPC, EPCIC and EPCM contracts; Advising on FEED agreements; Advising on BOOT arrangements; Advising on PMC contracts; Reviewing, drafting and negotiating complex commercial and project documentation; Supporting clients throughout the contracting and procurement lifecycle; Working alongside Partners and senior lawyers

Requirements

At least 2 years' post-qualification experience (PQE), or equivalent; Strong academic credentials, with excellent written and verbal communication skills; A self-driven and proactive approach to your work; Experience within a recognised international, regional or specialist energy law firm, or a relevant in-house legal team; Strong exposure to the oil and gas sector, ideally including upstream, drilling or oilfield services; Experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts; Exposure to procurement and supply chain arrangements within the oil and gas or wider energy sector; Experience with some of the following contract types: day-rate rig hire, drilling and well services, oilfield equipment procurement, EPC/EPCIC/EPCM, FEED, BOOT or PMC; Strong drafting, negotiation and commercial skills; Excellent time management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively; Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills, alongside the ability to work independently; Strong commercial awareness and the confidence to build rapport with clients, understand their business needs and, with the support of Partners, actively develop these relationships; The ability to lead and delegate effectively, while fostering a positive and collaborative team environment; The ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders and clients

Nice to have

Direct experience across every contract listed above; Candidates with a strong background in non-contentious oil and gas or energy projects work who can demonstrate transferable commercial contracting experience