Job description Allen & Overy Allen & Overy is a leading international legal practice with a truly global presence. The firm operates at the forefront of the legal industry. Our deals and cases often make headline business news. With many of our partners acknowledged as leaders in their field, and with all our people demonstrating the highest levels of professionalism, we have a reputation for delivering excellence in all that we do. We have developed a culture in which difference is positively valued, and our people are free to be themselves. We are in every sense one global team; supportive and collaborative, but also ambitious and driven. Our capacity to combine these qualities and provide a setting in which our people can thrive is what makes us different. Role purpose Delivering Net Zero by 2050 will involve massive investment in physical assets and innovation, and mobilising that capital will require major regulatory and market reform. Decarbonising the global economy will involve unprecedented cooperation between the public and private sectors, among governments, citizens and NGOs, and among nations with vastly different priorities. It will require transformational policy and regulation to unlock private investment in renewable infrastructure and green innovation. If that was not enough, it will be made more difficult by the short-term need for governments to address the immediate challenges of energy security and rising inflation, both of which have the potential to delay the difficult decisions that lie ahead. The scope and impact of the transition to a sustainable, decarbonised economy is unique. Governments are proposing policies and new laws and regulations to accommodate and spur the radical transition. Meanwhile, rapidly changing societal expectations and norms drive shareholder and NGO activism and litigation. Every sector and every business will be affected by the transition; there will be severe challenges as well as opportunities. As a leading law firm, it is our ambition to play a role in the transition, guiding and advising clients on the risks and opportunities in the rapidly changing landscape. The pace, complexity and reach of new laws and regulations is unseen; the Fit-for-55 package is a case in point. To stay ahead of the game, address the proliferating EU regulations and resulting challenges for the business community, we have created this new pan-European position for a strong senior Professional Support Lawyer for Climate & Energy. He/she will be pivotal in our ambition to further raise our profile as the go-to firm for Climate & Energy-related challenges and opportunities, and service the world’s leading businesses in their transition. We are looking for a senior personality with experience in driving cross-jurisdiction projects in international law firms or NGOs, who has the ability to identify and analyse technical legislation from a critical business perspective. A self-starting, entrepreneurial and proactive team player who can inspire and lead. The PSL’s main focus will be on current, new and upcoming legislation, disputes and court decisions related to Climate & Energy in the EU. Areas of expertise include EU Environmental law, Public law, Energy (sector) law, Business & Human rights and Climate & Energy litigation. The PSL would preferably be based in Brussels and/or Amsterdam, close to the partners leading the EU Climate & Energy Centre of Excellence. Role and responsibilities The PSL (Climate & Energy) for the EU will play a pivotal role in A&O’s ambition to become the go-to firm for Climate & Energy related matters. He/she will closely monitor legal developments in the field of Climate & Energy, primarily in the EU but with a good view of global developments in this realm. The PSL will be truly critical in assessing the relevance and interpreting the implications for clients and markets. On that basis, he/she will ignite and drive pan-European initiatives, ranging from client-facing webinars and publications, to training and other legal work products for internal use. The PSL will also provide support to lawyers on matters. In all this, he/she will be working closely with specialists including PSLs from across the A&O network. We would also expect the PSL to be well connected to relevant bodies outside the firm. Key tasks and responsibilities of the PSL are: To lead the strategic thinking at EU level in the field of Climate & Energy matters, both in terms of developing internal know-how materials and client publications To be a key person in bringing our internal Climate & Energy know-how to the EU market, including preparing and presenting client trainings/workshops/webinars, and bridging internal know-how and marketing initiatives To liaise closely with Business Development, contributing ideas and enhancing business development through market or legal developments. Ideally, the new PSL is not just involved in producing the materials but also in liaising with clients To be the key reference internally for Climate & Energy insights, legislative (existing and future) framework and horizon in the EU. This includes current awareness alerting and impact assessment in relation to new global and regional Climate & Energy developments, proactively identifying the impact of Climate & Energy legal developments on other practice areas around the firm as a whole, and delivering and developing know-how, training, and resources as necessary To interact with EU partners, lawyers and PSLs involved in Climate & Energy matters. This includes dealing with queries from fee-earners and liaising with lawyers and PSLs in other areas of the firm in identifying and assisting in providing a coordinated approach to issues important to our clients To drive a collaborative approach within the EU offices and with other officesKey relationships EU Enviro/Energy/Public Law Partners and lawyers Local PSL/Know-how Local BD/Marketing Global sustainability board/teamKey requirements Qualified lawyer (minimum 4-5 years’ experience) with experience in private practice or NGOs Strong technical knowledge of Climate & Energy law, including global and regional developments and initiatives Will have worked successfully as a lawyer or PSL/Senior PSL in a law firm, large corporate organisation or in government departments or NGOs Excellent academic credentials Self-starter with the desire and ability to continuously acquire, build upon and share knowledge Sound experience of working with senior management within a complex international organisation Strong commercial/business acumen with the ability to deliver creative and pragmatic solutions and advice Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface at all levels and particularly to win the respect of the partner and fee-earner community, building and developing strong (internal and external) client relationships Collaborative team player with the ability to develop and work in a fast paced, intellectually rigorous environment A person who enjoys both the operational and strategic sides of this role and shows great flexibility and resilience A person of sound judgment, able to establish a high level of credibility in the organisation and act as a trusted adviser to fee-earners Bilingual English speaker with strong knowledge of at least one other major EU language