Counsel - Real Estate [Hybrid]

About Us:

EDF Renewables North America is a market-leading independent power producer and service provider with over 35 years of experience. We deliver grid-scale power: wind (onshore and offshore), solar photovoltaic, and storage projects; distribution-scale power: solar and storage; asset optimization: technical, operational, and commercial expertise to maximize the performance of generating projects, and onsite solutions, through the Company’s PowerFlex affiliate, offering a full suite of onsite energy solutions for commercial and industrial customers: solar, storage, EV charging, energy management systems, and microgrids.

Benefits & Perks: 

EDF Renewables offers best-in-class employee benefits, including the following:

• Competitive bonus incentives.  This position is eligible for our annual bonus program.
• Comprehensive health coverage. EDF Renewables USA provides low-cost health & wellness coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Rewarding 401k. EDF Renewables provides a generous matching contribution.

We are also proud to offer:

• Favorable paid time off programs, including paid parental leave after one year of service.
• Rewarding learning & career development and advancement opportunities.
• Supportive mentorship & buddy programs.

Be a part of an innovative and collaborative team environment that fosters our goal of delivering renewable solutions to lead the transition to a sustainable energy future.

Salary range:  The full salary range for this role is $130,000 to $216,500.  The target range for this position is $157,500 to $182,000.  We generally base our salary decisions on factors such as internal equity, candidate work and/leadership experience, educational credentials, and in some cases, candidate work location.

Summary: 

The Legal Counsel is responsible for managing and supporting the real estate due diligence process for project acquisitions/dispositions and in preparation for project financing and supporting business units in land acquisition efforts. Amongst other things, this position will also support the negotiation, drafting, and critical review of land control agreements (leases, easements, purchase agreements, options, etc.) and title curative documents for solar, wind power and battery storage power generating assets developed and owned by the Company.

Support and help manage the following:

• The real estate portion of project development (land leases primarily) and due diligence process for acquisitions/dispositions and in preparation for financing.
• Negotiations, drafting, and critical review of land control and real estate agreements (leases, easements, purchase agreements, options, etc.) and title curative documents for solar and wind power generating assets owned by the Company (crossing agreements, surface waivers, etc.).
• Project development, operations and maintenance, and asset optimization businesses of the Company by providing legal counsel and advice in the normal course of business.
• Dispute resolution and litigation matters.
• Outside legal counsel engaged to represent the Company.

Additional responsibilities include the following:

• Prepare real estate related summaries/trackers to assist in project management.
• Review and negotiate commercial lease agreements to support the Company’s infrastructure.
• Prepare consulting services agreements, master services agreements, and confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements.
• Maintain corporate policies and procedures while balancing unique needs of differing jurisdictions.
• Assist and support others in legal department on an as-needed basis.

Working Conditions:

80% of time is spent in the office environment, utilizing computers (frequent use of various Microsoft software/programs), phones, and general office equipment. 20% of time is spent outside of the office visiting regional offices and attending various conferences and meetings.

Education and Experience 

• Juris Doctorate from accredited law school.
• Bar from one or more U.S. state bars, preferably Texas or California.
• At least four (4) years of real estate legal experience and prior experience in a law firm or in-house legal department required.

Skills

• Excellent commercial drafting and negotiation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and mentoring skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Knowledge

• Conducting real estate due diligence for project acquisitions. This includes review of leases, title reports, environmental reports, surveys, etc.
• Experience with cash and debt financing transactions.
• Experience with real estate, title, survey, leasing, mergers and acquisitions and financing as they relate to real estate.

Abilities

• Flexibility and willingness to work on a variety of legal matters.
• Desire to learn about the renewable energy business.
• Simultaneously manage a variety of assignments, work quickly and effectively under pressure and to prioritize activities.
• Work effectively as part of a team.
• Self-motivated, inquisitive, and passionate.
• Some travel both domestic and internationally may be required [throughout the U.S. and Canada?]

A plus if you have…

• Prior experience in renewable energy sector.