Description:
Are you passionate about renewable energy and eager to have a meaningful impact through your career? A Leading Solar Developer is a rapidly growing, renewable energy platform, headquartered in Chicago with assets across the country. We are expanding our team and seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to play a pivotal role in supporting our team's development and financing of solar energy projects through expert negotiation of real estate and project finance agreements. And as a leader in solar development with a robust project pipeline, A Leading Solar Developer offers an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to thrive in the dynamic world of renewable energy.Position Overview:
A Leading Solar Developer 's Legal team is responsible for providing comprehensive legal support across the organization, ensuring the company's operations comply with applicable laws and regulations, and facilitating our ambitious growth plans through strategic legal counsel.
As our first Senior Legal Counsel, you will report directly to the Chief People & Legal Officer, and you will be responsible for leading and managing all legal aspects of A Leading Solar Developer 's real estate transactions. You will also support our negotiations and closing of project finance. Your expertise in real estate and project finance negotiations will be pivotal to A Leading Solar Developer 's ongoing success, contributing to our sustainable growth strategy and the development of strategic plans for managing and improving renewable energy generation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Negotiate various real estate agreements, including but not limited to lease agreements and easements, to support the development of solar energy projects.
- Assist in structuring, negotiating, and executing project financing arrangements to support A Leading Solar Developer's development projects, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Support broader commercial agreements, including supply/purchase agreements, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts, and power purchase agreements, among others.
- Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with real estate transactions and project financing.
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders to understand project requirements and provide strategic legal solutions.
- Manage external legal counsel and related budgets to support specific project needs.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school with strong academic performance.
- Minimum of 4 years of experience in real estate or project finance law; experience within the renewable energy sector or a related field is preferred, but not required.
- Proficiency in handling lease agreements, including land lease agreements, easements, and other real estate-related legal documents.
- Previous experience at a large, successful law firm or equivalent legal setting is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate legal advice to non-legal stakeholders.
- Innovative and adaptable, with excellent collaboration, organizational, and time management skills.
- A deep passion for the renewable energy sector and a principled approach to fostering sustainable energy solutions.
- Active bar admission.
