Our client is a pre-eminent global law firm, recognised as a leader in energy and infrastructure across all major legal directories. With more than 2,000 lawyers operating from 44 offices worldwide, the firm is consistently engaged on the most complex, high-value transactions in the market, advising on projects and financings exceeding $200 billion annually. The Melbourne office is integral to the firm’s Asia-Pacific platform. Acting for sponsors, lenders, multilaterals, export credit agencies, and institutional investors, the team is regularly instructed on landmark renewable energy and storage transactions that shape Australia’s energy transition. Its reputation for structuring innovative, bankable solutions has positioned it at the forefront of the sector. About the Role This Senior Associate role sits within the firm’s market-leading Project & Asset Finance team. The focus is on structuring and executing sophisticated financings for utility-scale solar, wind, and battery energy storage projects. The work spans greenfield development financings, portfolio and refinancing transactions, acquisition financings, and cross-border mandates. You will act on non-recourse and limited recourse financings, advising on complex multi-tranche structures involving commercial banks, institutional lenders, multilaterals, and export credit agencies. The role includes drafting and negotiating the full suite of finance documentation, managing due diligence across all workstreams, and advising on the bankability of project agreements, including PPAs, EPCs, O&Ms, and grid connection arrangements. This is an opportunity to operate at the cutting edge of renewable energy project finance, working on transactions that are setting precedents in risk allocation, merchant exposure, and hybrid PPA models. Key Responsibilities Lead and execute high-value project financings for renewable and storage projects across Australia and Asia-Pacific Structure senior, mezzanine, and bridge facilities, including syndicated, club, and portfolio transactions Draft and negotiate loan agreements, common terms agreements, security packages, direct agreements, and intercreditor deeds Advise on the treatment of PPAs, EPC and O&M contracts, grid connection agreements, and long-term service arrangements in the financing context Manage due diligence processes across technical, regulatory, environmental, land tenure, and approvals Counsel clients on risk allocation, covenant design, step-in regimes, and cash waterfall mechanics Act on cross-border financings with export credit agencies, development finance institutions, and offshore institutional investors Provide strategic guidance to sponsors, banks, infrastructure funds, and institutional investors on structuring and execution Supervise and mentor junior lawyers, ensuring technical accuracy and high-quality delivery About You The successful candidate will be a technically accomplished finance lawyer with significant experience in project finance and a demonstrated focus on renewable or infrastructure assets. You will combine rigorous legal ability with commercial acumen and a proven capacity to deliver in complex, multi-party transactions. Requirements include: 5 years’ post-qualification experience in project finance, ideally with significant renewable or infrastructure exposure Experience advising on non-recourse and limited recourse financing structures Advanced drafting and negotiation skills, particularly in LMA-style finance documentation and security/intercreditor arrangements Familiarity with project agreements central to bankability, including PPAs, EPCs, O&Ms, and grid connection agreements Experience acting for both sponsors and lenders in development, refinancing, and acquisition contexts Knowledge of Australian energy regulation and the NEM framework Experience in cross-border financings and coordination with multilaterals and export credit agencies Strong analytical skills, commercial judgment, and transaction management capability Admission to practice in Australia (or eligibility) Why Apply This role offers the opportunity to work within one of the most highly regarded project finance practices globally, advising on transactions that define the renewable energy and storage sector. Benefits include: Highly competitive remuneration with sign-on and performance-based bonuses Clear partnership pathway for exceptional performers International secondments and global mobility opportunities Direct involvement in precedent-setting renewable energy and storage financings Structured training, mentoring, and professional development tailored to senior associates Flexible working arrangements supported by premium wellbeing programs A collaborative, high-performing team culture within a globally integrated platform How to Apply Please submit your CV and covering letter highlighting your relevant project finance and renewable energy experience. For a confidential discussion, please contact: Ivan Pignataro Director – D’Arcy Weil T: 61 3 9999 7409 M: 0416 507 856 E: ivan@darcyweil.com
