Senior Counsel - Real Estate [Remote]

EDF power solutions North America has been providing clean energy solutions throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico since 1987. We are a market-leading independent power producer and service provider, serving utilities, corporations, industries, communities, institutions, and investors with reliable, low-carbon energy solutions that help meet growing demand. Our teams deliver expert solutions along the entire value chain—from origination to commercial operation—including wind (onshore and offshore), solar, storage (battery and pumped storage hydro), smart EV charging, microgrids, green hydrogen, and transmission projects.

About the role

The Senior Legal Counsel - Real Estate is instrumental in shaping the future of renewable energy. This role is central to growth, overseeing the comprehensive real estate due diligence for significant project acquisitions and dispositions, and ensuring seamless preparation for project financing. This role serves as a trusted advisor to business units on all land acquisition and divestiture efforts, skillfully negotiating, drafting, and critically reviewing complex land control agreements (such as leases, easements, purchase agreements, and options) and managing title curative documents for an expanding portfolio of solar, storage, and wind power generating assets.

Responsibilities

• Manages the legal aspects of project development, primarily focusing on land leases, and overseeing real estate due diligence for acquisitions, dispositions, financing, and M&A transactions.
• Drafts, negotiates, and critically reviews a wide range of real estate and project-related agreements, such as land control agreements, easements, purchase agreements, options, asset and membership purchase agreements, and title curative documents such as crossing agreements and surface waivers, specifically for solar, storage, and wind power generating assets.
• Advises on legal matters pertaining to project development, operations, maintenance, and asset optimization.
• Reviews and negotiates commercial lease agreements to support the company's infrastructure needs.
• Prepares essential legal documents, including consulting services agreements, master services agreements, confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements, and all form real estate documents.
• Supports dispute resolution and litigation matters and manages external legal counsel.
• Contributes to, maintains, and adapts corporate policies and procedures to align with diverse jurisdictional requirements.
• Provides ad-hoc assistance and support to other members of the legal department as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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 dynamic renewable energy sector is a definite plus.

Skills

• 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 expert review of real property agreements, finance-related documents, land use permitting requirements, title commitments, environmental assessments, and surveys.
• A versatile approach, with flexibility and eagerness to tackle a diverse range of legal challenges.
• Genuine curiosity and a strong desire to deeply understand the renewable energy business.
• Adept at managing multiple assignments simultaneously, thriving under pressure, and skillfully prioritizing tasks to meet demanding deadlines.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, a knack for mentorship, and a collaborative spirit that fosters effective teamwork.
• Self-motivated, intellectually inquisitive, and passionate about renewables work.
• Strong ability to think outside of the box and develop creative strategies to resolve complicated issues.

Benefits

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

Pay

The full pay range for this role is $154,800 to $258,100 annually, with a good faith estimated starting pay of $185,760 to $216,720 annually. Salary decisions are based on factors including relevant work and leadership experience, education, demonstrated performance, internal equity, and geographic location.

Schedule

• 85% of time spent in the office utilizing computers, phones, and general office equipment.
• Up to 15% of time spent outside of the office for domestic and international travel.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to sit or stand at a computer for reasonable lengths of time typing and reading.
• Regularly required to walk or stand.