Senior Counsel - Real Estate [Remote]

Overview

This role provides legal support for real estate and project development across renewable energy assets, with a focus on land control, acquisitions/dispositions, and financing preparation. You will serve as a trusted advisor to business teams on land acquisition and divestiture efforts, including negotiating and reviewing complex land control agreements and managing title curative documentation.

Responsibilities

• Manage legal aspects of project development, primarily focusing on land leases, and oversee real estate due diligence for acquisitions, dispositions, financing, and M&A transactions.
• Draft, negotiate, and critically review real estate and project-related agreements, including:
  • Land control agreements
  • Easements
  • Purchase agreements
  • Options
  • Asset and membership purchase agreements
  • Title curative documents such as crossing agreements and surface waivers
  • Agreements specifically for solar, storage, and wind power generating assets
• Advise on legal matters related to project development, operations, maintenance, and asset optimization.
• Review and negotiate commercial lease agreements to support infrastructure needs.
• Prepare essential legal documents, including:
  • Consulting services agreements
  • Master services agreements
  • Confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements
  • Form real estate documents
• Support dispute resolution and litigation matters and manage external legal counsel.
• Contribute to, maintain, and adapt corporate policies and procedures to align with diverse jurisdictional requirements.
• Provide ad-hoc assistance and support to other members of the legal department as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active admission to one or more U.S. state bars, with a strong preference for Texas or California.
• Typically, 10 years of dedicated real estate legal experience gained within a reputable law firm or an in-house legal department.
• Prior experience in the renewable energy sector is a definite plus.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

• Deep understanding of real estate, title, survey, leasing, and mergers and acquisitions as they pertain to real estate transactions.
• Exceptional commercial drafting and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to conduct comprehensive real estate due diligence for project acquisitions, including review of:
  • Real property agreements
  • Finance-related documents
  • Land use permitting requirements
  • Title commitments
  • Environmental assessments
  • Surveys
• Versatile, flexible, and eager to tackle a diverse range of legal challenges.
• Genuine curiosity and strong desire to deeply understand the renewable energy business.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously, thrive under pressure, and prioritize work to meet demanding deadlines.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including a knack for mentorship and a collaborative approach.
• Self-motivated, intellectually inquisitive, and passionate about renewables work.
• Strong ability to think creatively and develop strategies to resolve complex issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in the renewable energy sector.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual salary range: $154,800 to $258,100
• Good faith estimated starting pay (upon hire): $185,760 to $216,720
• Salary decisions are generally based on factors including relevant work and leadership experience, education, demonstrated performance, internal equity, and in some cases geographic location.

Benefits & Perks include:

• Competitive bonus incentives (eligible for the annual bonus program)
• Comprehensive health coverage with low-cost health & wellness coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• 401k with a generous matching contribution
• Paid time off programs, including paid parental leave after one year of service
• Learning & career development and advancement opportunities
• Supportive mentorship & buddy programs

Working Conditions

• Supervision of others: No direct reports
• Work environment: 85% of time spent in the office environment using computers (frequent use of various Microsoft software/programs), phones, and general office equipment.
• Travel: Up to 15% of time spent outside the office for domestic and international travel.
• Physical requirements: Must be able to sit or stand at a computer for a reasonable length of time typing and reading; regularly required to walk or stand.

Location

Domestic and international travel may be required.