Projects Counsel

Overview

This role involves serving as Projects Counsel for a high-volume portfolio of contract and project-execution legal work supporting the organization’s solar and BESS EPC pipeline. The position provides first-pass contract review, subcontract flowdowns, and day-to-day legal support to Project Managers and the Construction Manager, working from established playbooks and a clause library.

Department: Legal
Location: Piedmont, SD or Remote
Reports to: Legal Counsel
Employment Type: Full-Time / Exempt

Pay Grade Range: $130,000 - $160,000 annual salary

Responsibilities

Contract Review & Negotiation (EPC Agreements & Prime Contracts)

• Serve as the primary reviewer for first-pass redlines on EPC agreements and prime contracts, using Legal Counsel’s playbooks and clause library.
• Run internal exhibit and SOW review, consolidating feedback from Engineering, Procurement, and Operations.
• Lead routine contract negotiations using standard positions per playbook; escalate off-playbook requests to Legal Counsel.
• Draft and prepare language on high-stakes or precedent-setting terms (including liability caps, indemnity, and warranty architecture) for Legal Counsel’s review and final position.
• Apply playbooks, templates, and clause library consistently; flag gaps or needed updates to Legal Counsel.

Subcontract Administration

• Serve as the primary reviewer to ensure subcontracts properly flow down prime contract obligations, including FEOC/PFE, prevailing wage, warranty, indemnity, and insurance requirements.
• Lead subcontract negotiations, escalating material or off-standard terms to Legal Counsel.
• Support Legal Counsel on MSA strategy and new subcontract architecture as the subcontractor base grows.

Project Execution Support (Project Managers & Construction Manager)

• Provide immediate turnaround on day-to-day contract questions, notices, change orders, RFIs, and delay/claim-preservation letters for project teams (responsibility phases in over the first six to twelve months).
• Serve as the primary point of contact on permitting and AHJ contract issues, with input and support from Legal Counsel.
• Support Legal Counsel on escalated or high-value project disputes.

Legal Operations & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Contribute to the contract management system and act as backup for NDA review and approval.
• Collaborate with Business Development, Engineering, Procurement, and Operations throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and use sound judgment when handling sensitive contract, negotiation, and dispute information.
• Partner with Legal Counsel to streamline contract workflows and documentation as the legal function scales.

Onboarding / Ramp Schedule

• First six months: Ramp on EPCA redlines, contract review, and subcontract flowdowns while shadowing project-execution support.
• Next six to twelve months: Become the primary point of contact for day-to-day project support, escalating novel or high-value issues to Legal Counsel.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and an active law license in good standing in the candidate’s state of residence.
  • South Dakota bar admission is not required: South Dakota’s Rules of Professional Conduct permit in-house counsel to provide legal services to their employer without separate South Dakota admission.
• 2+ years of experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts; construction or EPC contract experience strongly preferred.
• Strong contract drafting and redlining skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to apply established playbooks and precedent independently, while recognizing when to escalate novel or high-risk issues.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage a high volume of contracts and competing deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with Project Managers, field leadership, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Sound judgment and diplomacy when handling contract disputes, notices, and other sensitive matters.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with EPC agreements, subcontracts, or other construction contracts in the solar, renewable energy, or broader energy/infrastructure sector.
• Familiarity with FEOC/PFE requirements, prevailing wage, and other regulatory considerations affecting EPC contracts.
• Experience supporting project teams directly (Project Managers, Construction Managers) on active construction projects.
• Prior in-house or law firm experience supporting a scaling organization.

Skills / Experience

• Strong understanding of EPC agreements, prime contracts, and subcontract structures, including risk allocation, indemnity, warranty, and insurance provisions.
• Working knowledge of common construction contract issues such as change orders, notices, RFIs, and delay/claim-preservation letters.
• Familiarity with contract management systems and NDA review processes; comfortable learning and helping improve legal operations tools.
• Ability to apply playbooks, clause libraries, and templates consistently across a high volume of agreements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain contract terms clearly to non-legal stakeholders.
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with Legal Counsel, Project Management, and Operations.

Special Requirements & Work Environment

• Applicants must pass a background check and drug test before beginning work. Refusal to submit to a background check or drug testing will result in disqualification from further employment consideration.
• This description reflects the general nature and scope of the role and is not intended to be exhaustive. Responsibilities and expectations may evolve as operations grow and scale.

Compensation & Benefits

• $130,000 - $160,000 annual salary (exempt).