Deputy General Counsel

SunVest Solar, LLC ("SunVest") is a rapidly growing, renewable energy platform, headquartered in Chicago with operating and development projects across the country. We are currently seeking to add a Deputy General Counsel,to play a pivotal role in supporting our team's development, construction, and financing of solar energy projects. And as a leader in solar development with a robust project pipeline, SunVest offers an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to thrive in the dynamic world of renewable energy.

About SunVest :

SunVest is a Chicago-based, nationally focused renewable energy company with a mission to cultivate access to renewable energy for America. With more than 2 gigawatts of development projects and a growing portfolio of operational assets expected to reach 300 megawatts in 2026, SunVest is shaping the future of renewable energy. Our expertise spans the entire energy transition value chain, from development and construction to financing and operations. For more information, visit www.sunvest.com.

As a fully integrated renewable energy platform, SunVest allows its legal team to engage across the entire lifecycle of projects—development, construction, project finance, ITC sales, and long-term asset management. This structure provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the full renewable energy landscape, from negotiating leases and easements to structuring tax equity and long-term financing transactions, and everything in between.

Position Overview :

SunVest'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 the Deputy General Counsel, you will report directly to the Chief People & Legal Officer and serve as the second-in-command of the legal function, with the opportunity to grow into the General Counsel role as the company scales. You will be responsible for leading and managing all legal aspects of SunVest's project finance and development needs and will be expected to act as a strategic partner to the business. You will manage outside counsel efficiently to mitigate risk and reduce cost of capital. Your expertise in project finance negotiations will be pivotal to SunVest's ongoing success, contributing to our sustainable growth strategy and the development of strategic plans for managing and improving renewable energy generation.

Key Responsibilities :

Project Finance Negotiations

Lead and manage the structuring, negotiation, and execution of project finance transactions, including debt and tax equity financing, to support SunVest's solar development projects. Ensure all financing arrangements comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Real Estate Agreements

Negotiate and draft various real estate agreements, including land lease agreements, easements, and site control agreements, to facilitate the development of solar energy projects.

Commercial Agreements

Oversee the negotiation and execution of broader commercial agreements, including supply / purchase agreements, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts, and power purchase agreements (PPAs).

Risk Mitigation

Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with real estate transactions, project financing, and other commercial agreements. Provide strategic legal solutions to minimize risk and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Stakeholder Coordination

Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including the development, finance, and operations teams, to understand project requirements and provide comprehensive legal support.

External Counsel Management

Manage relationships with external legal counsel, ensuring efficient and cost-effective legal services. Oversee legal budgets related to project-specific needs to optimize legal expenditures and decrease the cost of capital.

Regulatory Compliance

Monitor and advise on the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, including tax treatment of ITCs, "beginning of construction" obligations, tariffs, and Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC).

Qualifications :

• Minimum of 10 years practicing law with significant experience in project finance and renewable energy transactions.
• Prior experience at a top-tier law firm (e.g., AmLaw 100) providing sophisticated project finance or corporate transactional training, ideally followed by in-house leadership experience.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks governing renewable energy projects, including ITCs, beginning of construction obligations, tariffs, and FEOC compliance.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop legal staff, collaborate cross-functionally, and serve as a strategic business partner to senior leadership.
• 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.

Compensation & Benefits :

Join SunVest in leading the charge to cultivate access to renewable energy for America!

SunVest is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

The salary range for this role reflects the broad array of factors considered in making compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, skill sets, experience, training, licensure, and certifications, as well as other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the geographic differential associated with the location where the position may be filled. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $215k-$240k. At SunVest, it is uncommon for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, as compensation decisions are tailored to the specifics of each case.

We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. We request that recruiters and agencies refrain from contacting us regarding this or any other role within the company. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.