Associate General Counsel

Bavana Partners; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

The client is a leading North American distributed energy platform seeking an Associate General Counsel to join the executive legal team. Reporting to the General Counsel, you will advise on commercial transactions, project development, financing and M&A across the lifecycle of energy assets.

You will lead drafting and negotiation of PPAs, ESAs, leases and long‑term contracts; support site acquisitions, interconnection, permitting and project execution; and coordinate with lenders, investors and

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and active U.S. state bar.
• 8–15+ years of experience in renewable energy, infrastructure, or project finance.
• Extensive experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Strong track record advising senior executives and cross-functional teams.
• Experience with project finance, tax equity and M&A in energy.

Responsibilities

• Lead drafting, review and negotiation of commercial agreements for development, financing, construction and operation.
• Advise project teams across development lifecycle including interconnection and permitting.
• Coordinate tax equity, debt and other financing transactions with lenders and advisors.
• Manage due diligence for acquisitions and post-acquisition integration.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Renewable energy experience

Project finance

Executive advisory

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission

Job description

Our client is one of North America's leading distributed energy platforms, developing, financing, owning and operating commercial & industrial (C&I), community solar and distributed generation assets across the United States.

As the business continues its rapid growth, they are seeking an experienced Associate General Counsel to join their executive legal team. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, this individual will serve as a strategic legal advisor across the full lifecycle of distributed energy projects, supporting commercial transactions, project development, financing and M&A initiatives.

This is a highly visible leadership role offering significant executive exposure and the opportunity to influence legal strategy across one of the industry's most active clean energy platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Transactions

• Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of a broad range of commercial agreements supporting the development, financing, construction and operation of distributed generation and C&I renewable energy projects.
• Structure and negotiate customer-facing agreements including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Energy Services Agreements (ESAs), leases and long-term commercial contracts.
• Provide commercially focused legal advice that balances legal risk with business objectives.

Project Development

• Advise project development teams throughout the development lifecycle.
• Support site acquisition, land rights, interconnection, permitting and project execution.
• Ensure projects remain legally and commercially financeable from origination through commercial operation.

Capital Markets & Project Finance

• Support tax equity, construction debt, back-leverage, warehouse facilities and permanent financing transactions.
• Negotiate financing documentation alongside internal Capital Markets and Finance teams.
• Coordinate legal due diligence and transaction execution through financial close.
• Work closely with lenders, investors and external counsel on sophisticated financing structures.

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Support acquisitions, divestitures and strategic investments.
• Lead legal due diligence across development and operating portfolios.
• Negotiate purchase and sale agreements and transaction documentation.
• Assist with post-acquisition integration activities.

Corporate & Strategic Advisory

• Partner closely with Executive Leadership, Development, Commercial, Finance and Operations teams.
• Advise senior stakeholders on legal, commercial and regulatory matters impacting the business.
• Support corporate governance, board matters and strategic initiatives.
• Manage external legal counsel across multiple jurisdictions.
• Identify legal and commercial risks across development and financing activities.
• Develop practical, commercially driven legal solutions.
• Maintain legal policies, governance processes and compliance frameworks.
• Ensure contractual obligations and regulatory requirements are effectively managed.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate is likely to possess:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in at least one U.S. State Bar.
• 8-15+ years of legal experience gained within a leading law firm, renewable energy developer or infrastructure platform.
• Significant experience supporting renewable energy, infrastructure or project finance transactions.
• Strong drafting and negotiation experience across complex commercial agreements.
• Demonstrated experience advising executive stakeholders within a fast-paced commercial environment.
• Excellent commercial judgement and business acumen.