Description:
Description:Position Description:
Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. is looking for a Counsel to help support its distributed energy (DE) business. You will join a collegial team of 20 legal professionals and report to the Assistant General Counsel. The Counsel will primarily provide transactions support to various Senior Counsel on the team on commercial, community and industrial (CC&I) solar and storage project acquisitions and sales, but also be given opportunities to support the DE legal team from time to time on project development and financing, operations and maintenance, project engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), real estate and permitting, regulatory and dispute resolution/litigation matters. Special consideration will be given to candidates with expertise in renewable energy project acquisition and sale matters. This position reports to the Assistant General Counsel (and/or Senior Counsel designated by the Assistant General Counsel) and the location will be at either the Irvine, CA or Teaneck, NJ office but remote work may be considered for exceptional candidates.
Responsibilities:
- M&A Transaction Support: Provide support to Senior Counsel and Assistant General Counsel on the execution of M&A transactions, including project and portfolio acquisitions and dispositions. Assist with the drafting, negotiation, and closing of Membership Interest Purchase Agreements (MIPAs) and related ancillary documentation.
- Due Diligence Assistance: Help conduct legal due diligence on a given transaction and provide support in various areas of due diligence (real estate, environmental, permitting, interconnection, incentives) alongside other internal teams and outside counsel to identify "red flag" risks in solar and battery energy storage portfolios. Identify and assess legal and commercial risks associated with acquisitions and development activities.
- Project Development & Finance: Partner closely with project development and finance teams to support deal execution and financing strategies. Support negotiation of key development agreements, including revenue contracts, EPC agreements, and site control agreements.
- Management of Outside Counsel and Internal Resources: Manage and coordinate external counsel on various transactions, ensuring efficient and cost-effective execution. Contribute to the development of internal processes, templates and best practices to streamline transaction execution.
Required Qualifications:
- 3+ years experience
- Top law firm training preferred
- Strong background in renewable energy (solar/storage) M&A and/or project development work
- JD from a top law school preferred
- Membership in at least one state bar
Preferred Skills:
- In-House Experience: In-house experience at a renewable energy project development and/or energy finance company.
- Adaptability: Experience using AI-based legal tech for high-volume diligence and document automation to increase deal velocity.
- Community Solar Markets: Experience on transactions involving community solar project portfolios, especially in New York and Illinois.
Physical, Mental & Environmental Demands:
To Comply with The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Essential Physical, Mental and Environmental Requirements for This Job Are Listed Below. These Are Requirements Normally Expected to Perform Regular Job Duties. Incumbent Must Be Able to Successfully Perform All of The Functions of The Job with Or without Reasonable Accommodation.