Senior Legal Counsel, Real Estate

Job Posting: Senior Legal Counsel, Real Estate

Company: SunVest Solar, LLC?

Location: Chicago, IL (West Loop)

Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Competitive Base Salary + Discretionary Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits

Are you passionate about renewable energy and eager to have a meaningful impact through your career? SunVest Solar, LLC (“SunVest”) is a rapidly growing, renewable energy platform, headquartered in Chicago with assets across the country. We are expanding our team and seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to play a pivotal role in supporting our team's development and financing of solar energy projects through expert negotiation of real estate and project finance agreements. And as a leader in solar development with a robust project pipeline, SunVest offers an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to thrive in the dynamic world of renewable energy.

About SunVest:

SunVest’s mission is to cultivate access to renewable energy for America. We are a rapidly growing leader in renewable energy with expertise across the energy transition value chain, including development, construction, financing, and operations. SunVest is advancing an industry-leading pipeline of nearly 2 gigawatts of development projects, with a growing portfolio of assets under management expected to reach 300 megawatts in 2025. SunVest is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, in the dynamic West Loop neighborhood. For more information, visit www.sunvest.com.

Position Overview:

SunVest’s Legal team is responsible for providing comprehensive legal support across the organization, ensuring the company's operations comply with applicable laws and regulations, and facilitating our ambitious growth plans through strategic legal counsel.

As our first Senior Legal Counsel, you will report directly to the Chief People & Legal Officer, and you will be responsible for leading and managing all legal aspects of SunVest’s real estate transactions. You will also support our negotiations and closing of project finance. Your expertise in real estate and project finance negotiations will be pivotal to SunVest’s ongoing success, contributing to our sustainable growth strategy and the development of strategic plans for managing and improving renewable energy generation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Negotiate various real estate agreements, including but not limited to lease agreements and easements, to support the development of solar energy projects.
• Assist in structuring, negotiating, and executing project financing arrangements to support SunVest’s development projects, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Support broader commercial agreements, including supply/purchase agreements, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts, and power purchase agreements, among others.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with real estate transactions and project financing.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to understand project requirements and provide strategic legal solutions.
• Manage external legal counsel and related budgets to support specific project needs.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school with strong academic performance.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in real estate or project finance law; experience within the renewable energy sector or a related field is preferred, but not required.
• Proficiency in handling lease agreements, including land lease agreements, easements, and other real estate-related legal documents.
• Previous experience at a large, successful law firm or equivalent legal setting is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate legal advice to non-legal stakeholders.
• Innovative and adaptable, with excellent collaboration, organizational, and time management skills.
• A deep passion for the renewable energy sector and a principled approach to fostering sustainable energy solutions.
• Active bar admission.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Full-time position with competitive base salary commensurate with experience, bonus opportunities, 401(k) employer match, health/vision/dental benefits.
• Paid time off including company holidays.
• Great opportunity to work with a well-respected fast-growing company in an exciting industry.
• Opportunity for advancement.

Join SunVest in leading the charge to cultivate access to renewable energy for America!

SunVest is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. We request that recruiters and agencies refrain from contacting us regarding this or any other role within the company. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.