About the Firm
Perchstone & Graeys is a renowned and forward-thinking commercial law firm with a rich history of providing top-tier legal services to our clients within the global market. We take pride in our commitment to excellence, innovation, and fostering a collaborative work environment that encourages professional growth and development.
About the Role
As a Senior Associate specializing in Oil and Gas Law, you will play a critical role in providing legal counsel and support to clients operating in the oil and gas industry. You will be responsible for offering strategic advice, conducting legal research, drafting agreements, and representing clients in various transactions and regulatory matters within the oil and gas sector.
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Key Responsibilities
1. Transactional Support:
• Lead and manage complex oil and gas transactions, including PSCs, asset acquisitions and divestitures, farm-ins and farm-outs, and joint venture agreements.
• Conduct due diligence reviews, draft transactional documents, and negotiate terms and conditions with counterparties.
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to clients on deal structuring, risk assessments and provide strategic advice on mitigating legal and regulatory risks associated with petroleum fiscal regimes, including taxation, royalties, profit sharing, and cost recovery mechanisms.
• Manage and oversee legal disputes and litigation related to petroleum fiscal matters, including arbitration, mediation, and litigation proceedings involving government authorities, joint venture partners, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Conduct legal research, prepare legal briefs and memoranda, and provide support to litigation teams in court proceedings.
2. Fiscal Regime Advisory
• Analyze and interpret tax laws, regulations, rulings, and judicial decisions relevant to the oil and gas industry to identify opportunities and risks for clients.
• Advise clients on oil and gas tax planning, including capital expenditures, operational expenses, tax credits etc.
• Conduct tax due diligence reviews, identify tax risks and exposures, and develop strategies to mitigate tax liabilities and optimize transaction structures.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and international tax laws and regulations applicable to the oil and gas industry, including income tax, excise tax, and royalty obligations etc.
• Advise on transfer pricing matters related to intercompany transactions, cost allocations, and profit repatriation strategies for multinational oil and gas companies.
• Assess and manage tax risks associated with oil and gas operations, including commodity price volatility, regulatory changes, tax rate fluctuations, and environmental tax considerations.
3. Regulatory Compliance:
• Stay abreast of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the oil and gas industry, including environmental regulations, land use laws, and permitting requirements.
• Assist clients in navigating regulatory challenges and obtaining necessary permits and approvals for exploration, development, and production activities.
• Advise clients on compliance matters, environmental remediation obligations, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Contract Negotiation: Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of agreements and contracts related to oil and gas operations, including Farm-in-Farm-out agreements, Production Sharing Contracts, Joint Venture Agreements, Carry Agreements, transportation agreements, and service contracts.
• Ensure that contracts accurately reflect the parties’ intentions and protect the client’s interests while minimizing legal risks.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their business objectives and providing tailored legal solutions to meet their needs.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing timely and practical advice on legal matters and industry trends.
• Manage client expectations and ensure high levels of client satisfaction through exceptional service delivery.
•
5. Team Leadership and Development:
• Mentor and supervise junior associates, providing guidance, feedback, and support to facilitate their professional growth and development.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues within the energy practice group and across other practice areas to deliver integrated legal services to clients.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and thought leadership initiatives within the firm, including participating in training programs, writing articles, and presenting at seminars.
Required Qualifications/Skills:
• Experience: Min of 9 Years Post Call
• Background: LLB, BL
• Technical skills: A deep understanding in the oil and gas industry, energy law and environmental regulations. Expertise in drafting and negotiating complex agreements related to oil and gas assets, including purchase and sale agreements, leases, and Joint Operating Agreements and experience in representing clients in disputes related to oil and gas assets.
• Soft skills: communication, attention to detail, leadership, confidentiality, professionalism
Benefits:
• Competitive salary (including a full 13th month) commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• 13th Month
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, and retirementcontributory pension.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within the firm.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment with a diverse team of legal professionals.
• Exposure to a diverse range of high-profile clients and transactions, offering invaluable learning and career advancement prospects.
• Flexible work arrangements to aid work-life balance.