Counsel

Leeward Energy; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) seeks a highly motivated attorney to join our legal team as Counsel (P3). The role focuses on real estate, permitting, EPC contracting, project development, and project finance within a growing renewable energy portfolio across the United States.

The successful candidate will advise on real estate and permitting matters, draft and negotiate contracts, support procurement and supply agreements, and collaborate with development, finance, engineering, and operations

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and active bar in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 3–6 years of legal experience in construction, real estate, or renewable energy transactions.
• Strong contract negotiation and risk mitigation skills.
• Excellent communication and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Advise on real estate, permitting, and development issues across the project lifecycle.
• Draft, review, and negotiate EPC contracts, supply agreements, and other documents.
• Support procurement processes and vendor contracts while ensuring compliance.
• Collaborate with development, finance, engineering, and operations teams.
• Identify risks and propose practical solutions; manage disputes as needed.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Risk assessment

Project development

Real estate law

Energy/renewable experience

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

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.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced attorney to join our legal team as Counsel (P3). 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. This role requires expertise in contract negotiation, risk mitigation, and legal issues relevant to large-scale development projects. This position reports to the Associate General Counsel.

Real Estate, Permitting & Development

• 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.
• Coordinate with internal development teams, landowners, and external counsel to ensure adherence to applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• 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

• Draft, review, and negotiate EPC contracts, supply agreements, and other commercial documents to support the Project Execution team.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 3-6 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.
• Ability to contribute to the delivery of operationally significant work for functional teams.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

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.

With a steadily growing portfolio of projects spanning 20+ years in the clean energy industry, we are hiring, training, and developing a next-generation workforce to safely and responsibly design, construct, operate, and manage sustainable power solutions. Join us in advancing your career in the exciting field of renewable energy. In addition, to having a strong growth trajectory, LRE was also recently awarded the Fast Company's 2024 'Best Workplaces for Innovators' and was awarded as one of Dallas Fort Worth's top employers for 2024. This recognition highlights LRE's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and empowering employees to develop creative solutions that advance both the company and the renewable energy sector.