Infrastructure, Projects and Energy Associate, 3PQE+, Leeds

As part of our on-going AG2030 growth strategy, we are looking for an Associate or senior Associate to join the Leeds Infrastructure, Projects & Energy team and help service their ever-growing roster of major infrastructure, energy and utilities, transport, health, local authorities and central government clients.

The team has undergone significant growth and investment in recent years. Our Leeds team is recognised as pre-eminent and top tier ranked in our key energy and transport sectors and we work with utilities, integrated energy companies, developers, national and regional transport operators, private sector transport companies, funds, PE houses and financial institutions.

We are trusted by institutional clients such as SSE, NESO, Southern Water, BP, Hitachi Rail, Keolis, as well as regional and national organisations like Yorkshire Water, Leeds City Council, Department for Transport, DESNZ, Transport for London, and TfGM. We also do an increasing amount of work overseas for international clients in line with the firm’s expanding international network.

We have a fantastic variety of work. It's not just big ticket, high pressure transactions though – we also do a whole range of smaller matters, providing a great arena for mid-level associates to gain experience in a supportive environment. There is an opportunity to specialise, or gain experience in, many different areas.

We are recognised for our imaginative and impactful approach, combining legal expertise with strategic consulting, legal technology, flexible resourcing, and efficient project management. The team have recently been awarded Firm of the Year - Projects (Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards 2026) and UK Law Firm of the Year (Chambers Awards 2026), as well as Best Technology Award 2026, UK Firm of the Year, and Sustainability Initiative of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2026.

What You'll Do:

You will advise on a diverse range of matters, reflecting the breadth and depth of our practice, including:

• Transport: advising on the procurement of new rolling stock, rolling stock modification projects, light and heavy rail franchising issues, and in life management, transfer schemes and franchise mobilisation as well as a variety of general commercial and operational contracts in the wider transport sector.
• Energy: advising energy/renewables clients on project development, M&A, regulated energy and public procurement in the energy sector is our bread and butter with renewables and alternative energy front and centre of our practice. We have lead roles on major national energy/utilities infrastructure mandates such as Hinkley Point C for NWF, most of the major water DPC projects and some of the biggest private sector transactions in the market (e.g. Data Centres, e-HGV and fleet charging, networks and renewables).
• Social infrastructure: advising on a range of projects and matters related to public assets and services that support communities, such as schools, hospitals, and roads and strategic government projects (e.g. for Ministry of Defence). The team has a strong tradition in PFI and PPP (Public-Private work, servicing clients such as Equans, Luton Borough Council, and NIBC) and we are keen to grow teams in those markets.

The role also offers outstanding career prospects within an expanding, dynamic and sociable team. Our market leading Associate development programme will help you map out key objectives and timescales for your career progression and provide you with a mentor and frequent check-ins.

Who We're Looking For:

• Have at least 3years PQE + experience ideally within Infrastructure, Projects & Energy, Corporate/M&A or Commercial Contracts background.
• Strong technical legal skills, including drafting, negotiation, and interpretation of complex contracts.
• Be inquisitive and want to understand our clients, their drivers and what matters to them, so that your advice has quality, imagination, and impact.

And preferably (but not essential):

• Familiarity with project development, M&A, and public procurement in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
• Awareness of PFI/PPP models, and relevant legal and commercial structures for social infrastructure and transport projects.

Why Choose Us?

Addleshaw Goddard is a place where you are not just valued but encouraged to reach your full potential. Our culture promotes improvement, growth, and collaboration, making us the natural choice for top-tier clients. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees.

Interested? If this role sounds like your next career step, we'd love to hear from you. Click the Apply button to view the full role profile on our website and start your application!