Assistant General Counsel

Functional Area : Legal / Compliance

Remuneration : Exempt

Locations : Texas, California, North East US, Illinois and Florida

The Assistant General Counsel provides legal support for a North American renewable energy business team (focused on wind, battery, and solar) in connection with the development and construction of renewable energy projects in the U.S. and Canada.

The role is dedicated to providing legal advice on real estate matters, including the preparation and negotiation of various real estate documents required for project development and construction, such as lease agreements, co-tenancy agreements, shared facilities agreements, and crossing agreements.

Responsibilities also include reviewing title documents, resolving title issues, negotiating title insurance policies, and collaborating with developers and support staff.

This position requires the use of land management database software to support real estate developers in acquiring land rights for renewable energy projects.

The position also requires close collaboration with the legal department teams across various U.S. locations and alignment with business partners.

The successful candidate must demonstrate an ability to take a practical approach to legal issues, aiming for business-driven solutions.

Responsibilities :

• Provide strategic feedback on project development timelines and risks, ensuring project readiness by understanding the lifecycle of renewable projects beyond just real estate and permitting.
• Offer solutions to real estate and permitting challenges, with a focus on practical, problem-solving approaches.
• Work with paralegals, real estate specialists, and administrative assistants to ensure efficient distribution of tasks.
• Collaborate with title companies and surveyors to secure timely delivery of proforma and survey documents for projects.
• Draft and review various real estate documents, resolving disagreements with counterparties by managing risks effectively.
• Purchase property for renewable project assets, such as substations, battery energy storage system (BESS) sites, and operations & maintenance (O&M) buildings.
• Work with third parties, such as utilities and banks, to obtain necessary curative items for projects, including crossing agreements and subordination agreements (SNDAs).
• Align with other business units, including engineering, development, procurement, and transmission, to ensure project timelines are met, and provide updates during weekly project meetings.
• Ensure all necessary permits are obtained for successful project development, construction, and operation across multiple states, coordinating with external counsel to navigate local jurisdictions.
• Work closely with legal leadership during the construction phase to resolve risks and assess project readiness for construction approval.
• Assist the Structured Finance team in preparing for tax equity investor involvement by answering due diligence questions, creating data rooms, and contributing to transaction documents and disclosure schedules.

Qualifications :

• J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree from a U.S. university.
• Admission to a U.S. state bar, preferably Illinois or Texas (either currently or by reciprocity).
• At least 5 years of experience as a real estate lawyer in the renewable energy sector, with specific knowledge of solar, battery, and / or wind projects.

Additional experience in energy transmission, interconnection agreements, local government permitting, tax abatement agreements, and special use permits is preferred.

• Experience working with energy-related businesses in the U.S., particularly in legal matters related to the development and construction of renewable energy or independent power projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills for managing client relationships, with a demonstrated desire to learn about the renewable energy space.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• A self-motivated, goal-oriented individual with strong problem-solving skills and a high level of attention to detail.
• Proven ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to respond to direction, is coachable, and open to professional growth.

Benefits :

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, and Holidays
• Short-term incentives in addition to salary for eligible employees

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applications regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.