Senior Counsel

LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) is forging an American energy future with integrity, innovation, and positive impact. Born in Texas in 2003, we own and operate over 30 utility-scale wind, solar, and energy storage projects in local communities across the United States, totaling 4 gigawatts (GW) of generating capacity.  

LRE continues to help meet increased U.S. energy demand through our robust pipeline of new projects every year. Domestic jobs and manufacturing are fundamental to our full-lifecycle approach to projects, along with a long-term ownership model and a company culture dedicated to our community partners and protecting the natural environment. 

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced attorney to join our legal team as Senior Counsel (P4). The ideal candidate will bring expertise in one or more of the following areas: real estate, project development, permitting, construction, power purchase agreements, project acquisitions and dispositions, or project finance. The successful candidate will provide strategic and practical legal guidance throughout the project lifecycle, from development through financing and construction, and serve as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders on complex legal, commercial, and risk management matters. This role requires expertise in contract negotiation, risk mitigation, and legal issues relevant to large-scale development projects. This position reports to the Assistant General Counsel.                                                                                                                               

Real Estate, Permitting & Development

• Lead legal strategy and advise on real estate and permitting matters across the development timeline, including site acquisition, leases, easements, title and survey review, land use issues, and environmental considerations.

• Partner with business stakeholders and outside counsel to develop practical legal solutions and risk mitigation strategies supporting project objectives.

• Lead coordination with local and outside counsel on state-specific real estate and permitting matters, including zoning, land use approvals, environmental matters, and other jurisdictional requirements impacting project development.
• Collaborate with title companies, surveyors, environmental consultants, and other third-party advisors to support the timely and accurate delivery of real estate and permitting documentation.
• Support real estate, environmental, and permitting due diligence and transactional activities for project acquisitions, dispositions, and financings.

EPC Contracting & Project Support

• Lead negotiation and strategic risk allocation for EPC contracts, supply agreements, and other critical commercial arrangements.

• Provide legal support for procurement processes, vendor agreements, and supply chain to ensure compliance with industry standards and company policies.
• Identify legal risks, propose solutions, and manage disputes related to construction, contract performance, and vendor relationships, with an emphasis on practical and timely solutions.
• Partner closely with project development, finance, engineering, and operations teams to support efficient and aligned project delivery.
• Proactively and effectively interact with internal/external business partners to understand and clarify requirements and provide technical input.
• Support senior members of the legal team on additional legal initiatives as assigned.

• Provide guidance to less experienced attorneys, paralegals, and business stakeholders on legal issues within areas of specialization.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 6+ years of legal experience in construction, real estate, or renewable energy transactions, with a strong understanding of contract negotiation and risk mitigation for infrastructure projects.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills, with a drive for results and attention to detail.

• Demonstrated ability to independently lead complex transactions and advise business leaders on legal and commercial risk.

• Proficient in MS Word and Excel.

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage sophisticated matters, balance competing priorities, and exercise sound legal and business judgment with limited supervision.

Physical Demands: 

• Position will require sitting for long periods of time as well as occasionally lifting up to twenty-pound boxes.  

Please Note: This is an in-office role, requiring on site presence in our office a minimum of three days per week with hybrid flexibility of working remotely two days per week, subject to manager and policy approval. #LIHybrid

Applicants must have current authorization to work for any employer in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for an employment visa now or in the future. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Leeward Management Services, LLC is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies: Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting vendors or employment agencies. Only recruiting vendors with a current, signed agreement in place with LRE are authorized to submit resumes for specific, requested positions. All unsolicited resumes and candidate profiles submitted to LRE, or any LRE employee, without an active agreement or written request from LRE’s HR Department, will be considered property of LRE. LRE will not be responsible for any fees or expenses associated with unsolicited resumes or candidates submitted in this manner.