Overview
RWE Clean Energy, LLC. To start as soon as possible, full time, permanent.
Functional area : Legal / Compliance
Remuneration : Exempt
Role
The Assistant General Counsel will provide legal support to the U.S. renewable energy business team with a focus on certain areas of the United States, as determined by management. Work will be dedicated to providing legal advice related to real estate topics in connection with the preparation and negotiation of a wide variety of real estate documents required for the development and construction of renewable energy projects, such as lease agreements, easements, purchase options, co-tenancy agreements, shared facilities agreements, and crossing agreements. It includes review of title documents, resolution of title issues, negotiation of title insurance policies, and related topics, and collaboration with support staff and other business partners to support the Company’s real estate developers in acquiring land and development rights for prospective renewable energy projects. It also includes significant support and assistance in the discretionary local and state zoning processes and permitting requirements for renewable development projects.
Position requires close alignment and cooperation with the Company’s Legal Department teams in Austin, Texas, and Chicago, Illinois (travel up to 5%), close alignment with business partners supported by the Legal Department, and the ability to apply a practical, business-minded approach to legal issues to find viable solutions.
Role Responsibilities
- Provide real estate and permitting legal support for the North American renewable energy business team (BESS, wind & solar) in connection with the development, construction, and operation of renewable energy projects in the United States
- Provide legal advice on land use, permitting, and real estate topics related to development, construction, and operation of renewable energy projects. This includes (a) reviewing, drafting, and negotiating lease agreements, purchase agreements, co-tenancy agreements, shared facilities agreements, and crossing agreements; (b) reviewing title documents, resolving title issues, negotiating title insurance policies; (c) reviewing ALTA project surveys; (d) coordinating with business teams, other functional teams, and local, state, and federal agencies on permitting, land use, and zoning topics
- Advise legal leadership and other stakeholders during operations, identifying site control obligations and timing elements related to project operations, including advising on third-party requests, ownership changes, and requests to release land
- Provide real estate and permitting support on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other strategic transactions from inception through closing, including the review of transaction documents, purchase agreements, disclosure schedules, and other ancillary contracts. Develop and maintain templates and processes to streamline transaction execution and improve efficiency
- Conduct legal due diligence, identify risks and liabilities, and provide practical recommendations to mitigate those risks, including advice on land use, permitting, and real estate topics in renewable projects
- Mentor junior attorneys and other legal staff in the real estate and permitting department
- Support tax equity financing efforts by preparing diligence materials, managing datarooms, and contributing to transaction documents and disclosure schedules in coordination with the structured finance team
- Collaborate with legal support staff to utilize land management software for land rights acquisition
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (finance, tax, HR, compliance, operations, and business leadership) to ensure projects align with strategic objectives
- Manage and oversee outside counsel for overflow work, ensuring cost-effective and timely legal support
- Collaborate with and delegate to paralegals, real estate specialists, and administrative staff to ensure efficient workflow
- Understand how real estate and permitting risks fit into the overall project lifecycle and risk review, including interconnection, energy marketing, environmental, regulatory, and procurement considerations
Job Requirements and Experiences
J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree from a U.S. universityAdmission to a state bar in the United StatesMinimum 10 years’ experience as a real estate lawyer in the renewable space, with specific knowledge in BESS, solar and wind permitting and real estate matters; experience in energy transmission, interconnection agreements, tax abatement agreements, and special use permits is preferredIndustry experience : energy-related businesses in the U.S., focusing on development, construction, and operation of renewable energy and / or independent power projectsHiring may consider candidates with greater or lesser experience; the requirements are subject to changeStrong interpersonal and relationship-management skills, with the ability to work with internal teams, external counsel, title companies, surveyors, utilities, and counterpartiesHighly organized, able to coordinate multiple projects and manage priorities to meet real estate and permitting milestonesAdaptable and effective in rapidly changing environmentsDesire to learn about the company; goal-oriented and resourceful with strong problem-solving skillsAbility to communicate with diverse stakeholdersOffice-based role with travel to other RWE offices and field locations (New York, California, Chicago, Austin)Must be able to sit, walk, or stand for long durationsCompensation and Benefits
Pay range : The annual base salary range for this position in Illinois is $190,000 - $235,000. The salary range is a good faith estimate and varies by location and other factors.
Benefits offered : Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, Holidays. Eligible employees may participate in short-term incentives in addition to salary.
Apply and About the Company
Apply with just a few clicks : ad code 90892. Any questions? Contact HR : rwece_recruiting@rwe.com
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
Through its subsidiary RWE Clean Energy, RWE is a major renewable energy company in the United States with a broad presence and ongoing commitment to energy development and innovation.
Notes : This is an office-based role with some travel and visits to other RWE offices and field locations.
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