Projects Lawyer Role at Pinsent Masons – Apply Now!

🧾 Job Details

🏢 Employer: Pinsent Masons LLP
📍 Location: 30 Jellicoe Avenue, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
💼 Job Type: Permanent | Full Time
🆔 Job Identification: 2923
🌍 Work Scope: South Africa & Cross-Border Africa Projects

🏢 Company Overview

Pinsent Masons LLP is a global law firm recognised for its market-leading expertise in infrastructure, energy, and project finance. With a strong footprint across Africa and internationally, the firm advises public and private sector clients on some of the most complex and high-value infrastructure and energy projects. Pinsent Masons is widely recognised for excellence in talent development, diversity, and inclusion, and consistently ranks among the most inclusive law firms globally.

🧩 Job Overview

Pinsent Masons LLP is seeking a Projects Lawyer with approximately 3–6 years post-qualification experience (PQE) to join its Finance & Projects team in Johannesburg. This role is ideally suited to a commercially astute associate with strong technical expertise in infrastructure and energy projects, who is ready to take ownership of complex transactions and contribute meaningfully to client delivery and business development.

The role focuses on advising private sector clients, sponsors, project companies, EPC contractors, operators, and development finance institutions on infrastructure and energy projects across South Africa and the African continent.

🔑 Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Drafting, negotiating, and advising on project agreements, including concession agreements, PPP agreements, power purchase agreements (PPAs), EPC contracts, O&M agreements, equipment supply agreements, and shareholder or consortium agreements.

• Advising on the regulatory and legislative framework applicable to infrastructure and energy projects, including PFMA, PPPFA, PAJA, PAIA, Electricity Regulation Act, and related sector-specific policies.

• Leading and managing transactions, including coordinating deal teams and supervising junior lawyers.

• Providing legal opinions on regulatory and project-related matters affecting infrastructure and energy developments.

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and contributing to client development initiatives.

• Supporting business development efforts, including pitching for new work, contributing to publications, and participating in seminars or training sessions.

• Collaborating closely with international colleagues on cross-border and multi-jurisdictional transactions.

• Training and mentoring junior lawyers to support team growth and knowledge sharing.

🎓 Qualifications & Experience

Education

• LLB or equivalent legal qualification

• Admitted attorney (South Africa or equivalent jurisdiction)

Experience

• 3–6 years PQE in infrastructure, energy, or project finance law

• Experience gained at a firm with a recognised infrastructure or energy practice

• Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating complex project agreements

• Experience advising on South African infrastructure and energy regulatory frameworks

• Exposure to Africa-focused or cross-border transactions is highly advantageous

Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical legal drafting and negotiation skills

• Excellent commercial judgment and client-service orientation

• Ability to manage transactions independently and under pressure

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Leadership capability with experience supervising junior lawyers

• Proven interest in business development and thought leadership

🌟 Benefits of Working at Pinsent Masons

• Opportunity to work on high-profile, complex infrastructure and energy projects across Africa

• Exposure to international clients and cross-border transactions

• Collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance work environment

• Access to a first-class training and career development programme

• Opportunity to work alongside leading specialists in energy and infrastructure law

• Flexible working arrangements considered

• Strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee wellbeing

📄 CV Tips For Projects Lawyer Role

To strengthen your application, ensure your CV:

• Clearly reflects your PQE and specific experience in infrastructure and energy projects

• Highlights direct involvement in drafting and negotiating PPP, PPA, EPC, and O&M agreements

• Demonstrates familiarity with South African regulatory frameworks impacting infrastructure and energy

• Includes examples of transaction leadership, client engagement, and supervision of junior lawyers

• Showcases any business development activities, publications, or seminar participation

• Is concise, achievement-focused, and structured around deal experience rather than generic duties

⚖️ Employment Equity & Inclusion

Pinsent Masons LLP is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive. Applications are encouraged from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or any other protected characteristic. Flexible working requests will be considered.