The Role
We are seeking a Development Counsel to join our expanding legal team. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, the Development Counsel will provide legal expertise in real estate and project development matters.
Responsibilities
- Offer legal advice and analysis on a variety of topics related to real estate, project development, permitting, interconnection, project siting, regulatory, and other related matters.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure legal compliance and manage risks across the company's development, finance, construction, market operations, and asset management departments related to the development and construction of battery storage projects.
- Draft and negotiate various real estate documents required for the development and construction of battery energy storage projects, including options, purchase and sale agreements, leases, easements, subordination agreements, surface waivers, and other relevant documents.
- Prepare and negotiate interconnection agreements, permits, regulatory documents, and other contracts essential for the development and construction of projects.
- Assist with title-related activities, including reviewing title documents, resolving title issues, negotiating title insurance policies, and other related tasks.
- Evaluate risks at all stages of project development and communicate these risks to in-house and external stakeholders; create and implement strategies to mitigate and manage risks.
- Support financial efforts such as acquisitions, divestitures, tax credit monetization, and debt and equity investments.
- Provide legal guidance on tax credit matters pertaining to the development and construction of battery energy storage projects.
- Address additional legal issues as needed.
- Manage and hire outside legal counsel and oversee billings.
- Negotiate and provide advice on standard course contracts.
- Perform other duties as assigned. We are looking for individuals who are eager to enhance their professional knowledge, explore new areas of the business, and take on more responsibilities within our dynamic team. Additional responsibilities will be tailored to the candidate's background and company priorities.
Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Strong problem-solving skills and practical solution identification.
- Experience supervising and managing paralegals, real estate specialists, and administrative assistants.
- Ability to identify and resolve curative items required for renewable energy project development, and collaborate with third-party utilities, banks, and other parties on related matters.
- Expertise in working with title companies and surveyors to ensure projects progress through title processes within required timelines.
- Project siting experience and familiarity are advantageous.
- Proven project management experience and the ability to work effectively on project teams.
- Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously to completion.
- Skilled in identifying and assessing business opportunities and threats.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Self-motivated with strong organizational and time-management abilities.
- Proven track record of delivering projects under time pressure, maintaining quality standards.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to work effectively in a small team environment.
Required Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree and JD from an accredited law school with membership in at least one state bar association.
- Over 5 years of legal experience in real estate and project development.
- Preferred: 2+ years of in-house experience.
- Experience in large-scale project development within the renewable energy or energy storage industry is preferred.
- Comfort with ambiguity and making business decisions with limited information.
- Willingness to wear multiple hats based on business needs and project priorities.
- High comfort level with small teams and organizations, with enthusiasm for innovation, idea generation, and collaborative teamwork.
- Ability to take ownership and initiative, thriving within a highly motivated, fast-paced team.
