General Counsel

Company Overview

Our client is an innovative and rapidly growing renewable energy company with a global footprint. They are at the forefront of the renewable energy industry, dedicated to transforming the energy landscape through sustainable practices. With a mission centered on developing, financing, and operating renewable energy projects, they aim to foster a clean and eco-friendly environment. The company prides itself on its collaborative culture, where employees are encouraged to share ideas and drive positive change within the industry.

About the Role
They are seeking a dynamic and experienced legal professional to join their team as General Counsel. In this pivotal role, you will lead the U.S. legal team and be responsible for managing all legal matters related to the acquisition, development, and financing of our expanding portfolio of renewable energy projects. As the General Counsel, you will play a crucial role in shaping the legal strategy and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. You will work closely with senior leadership and various departments to provide strategic legal advice and support. This position offers a unique opportunity to be at the heart of the renewable energy revolution, contributing to projects that have a lasting impact on the environment and society. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in the renewable energy sector, M&A transactions, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for driving sustainable initiatives.

Responsibilities

Oversight & Management

• Manage the company's legal team, providing strategic legal advice and counsel on all significant legal matters affecting the business.
• Establish and manage the legal infrastructure to support U.S. operations. Develop policies, frameworks, and processes that align with the company's objectives while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Provide legal guidance and support to various departments, including Operations, Finance, and Business Development.
• Manage relationships with outside counsel, ensuring efficient resource allocation and work distribution.

Project & Transactional Support

• Lead the legal function, providing strategic guidance and oversight in M&A, project development, and project finance activities.
• Oversee and manage M&A legal activities, including due diligence, contract negotiation, and deal execution.
• Conduct due diligence and provide legal advice on potential acquisitions, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and alignment with business objectives.
• Lead all project finance transactions by structuring and negotiating financing agreements, including refinancings, debt, and tax equity financing arrangements.
• Collaborate with financial institutions and investors to secure project funding and manage relationships throughout the financing lifecycle.

Contract Management

• Draft and negotiate power purchase agreements, equipment supply agreements, EPC contracts, leases, interconnection agreements, transmission services agreements, tax abatement agreements, financing agreements, O&M agreements, joint venture agreements, joint development agreements, and other necessary agreements.
• Draft and negotiate transaction documents, including purchase and sale agreements, disclosure schedules, and other ancillary documents.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and admission to the New York bar.
• A minimum of 7 years of legal experience in the renewable energy industry, including both in-house and private practice.
• Experience with a wide variety of commercial agreements, including project development, project finance, and M&A in the renewable energy space.
• Experience leading and managing a legal team or part of a legal team.