We are instructed on an excellent opportunity for a senior associate-level lawyer specialising in subsidy control, public procurement and grant funding to join a leading national practice with a strong reputation in regulated and public-facing sectors.
This is a high-profile role, advising on matters that sit at the intersection of public law, economic regulation and major public investment. The role is open to candidates based in Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds or London, with flexible and hybrid working fully embedded.
The Opportunity
You will join a well-established and growing specialist team advising public bodies and delivery partners on the lawful design, funding and procurement of major projects. The work is rarely siloed — instead, it is multi-disciplinary, strategic and often politically sensitive, requiring close collaboration with colleagues across energy, construction, infrastructure, regeneration and commercial practices.
A significant and expanding part of the workload relates to energy and net-zero projects, where the team plays a key advisory role on subsidy structures, funding mechanisms and procurement strategy.
The Work
Your role will include advising on:
- Subsidy control and legacy State aid issues for public bodies and project sponsors
- Public procurement law, including strategy, compliance and challenge risk
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating grant funding agreements
- Structuring projects to align with regulatory, commercial and policy objectives
- Multi-disciplinary advisory work supporting complex regeneration, infrastructure and energy schemes
Sector exposure includes:
- Energy and decarbonisation projects (e.g. waste-to-energy, heat networks, EV infrastructure, solar and battery storage)
- Regeneration and housing
- Infrastructure and outsourcing
- Education, research and healthcare
There is also scope to become involved in broader competition law related work, depending on interest.
About You
You are likely to be:
- A UK-qualified solicitor with 5+ years’ PQE
- Experienced in subsidy control / State aid, public procurement and grant funding
- Comfortable advising public sector clients and navigating complex regulatory frameworks
- Commercially minded, pragmatic and solutions-focused
- Interested in policy-driven, high-impact work with real societal outcomes
Experience across energy, infrastructure or regeneration projects would be attractive.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Market-leading expertise in subsidy control and procurement
- Work that is front-page relevant, advising on major public investment and policy-driven projects
- A genuinely collaborative and collegiate culture
- Strong commitment to flexible and hybrid working
- Clear investment in learning, development and progression
- A values-led firm with a serious commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and sustainability
Next Steps
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Jon Kennedy on 07376 288 737 or via jon.kennedy@ardentrecruit.com