Energy & Infrastructure Practice Counsel 5+ Years

Direct Counsel; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Counsel seeks an Energy & Infrastructure Practice Counsel to join its Project Finance group in Washington, DC. The ideal candidate has at least five years of experience supporting project finance and M&A transactions in the energy sector, with substantial FERC practice and hands-on due diligence.

Experience reviewing credit agreements and legal opinions, plus renewable energy exposure (wind, solar, battery storage) is required; power generation and transmission experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in project finance and M&A within energy.
• Substantial FERC practice experience.
• Hands-on due diligence experience.
• Experience reviewing credit agreements and legal opinions.
• Experience in renewable energy (wind, solar, battery storage).
• Knowledge of energy regulations and regulatory framework.
• Bar admission in preferred office jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

• Advise lenders on FERC regulatory risks in financings and refinancings involving solar, wind, battery storage, or hybrid energy facilities.
• Advise clients on electric power and natural gas markets and rates.
• Counsel on the Federal Power Act, Natural Gas Act, Energy Policy Act of 2005, and related regulations.
• Represent energy traders, financial institutions, and electric utilities in FERC and CFTC matters.
• Handle related federal court litigation and appellate matters.
• Support acquisitions involving generation and infrastructure assets.
• Conduct and oversee legal due diligence in energy-sector transactions.
• Review and analyze credit agreements and legal opinions.
• Collaborate with project finance, M&A, regulatory, and other transactional attorneys.

Skills

Project finance

M&A transactions

FERC experience

Due diligence

Credit agreements

Energy regulations

Communication skills

Bar admission

Job description

Energy & Infrastructure Practice Counsel – 5+ Years

Direct Counsel is seeking an Energy & Infrastructure Practice Counsel to join a leading law firm’s Energy & Infrastructure team within its Project Finance group. This is a non-partnership-track position, with Washington, D.C. as the preferred location. Candidates in other U.S. offices may also be considered.

Position Overview

The firm is seeking an experienced attorney with at least 5 years of experience supporting project finance and M&A transactions in the energy sector. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience before FERC, hands-on due diligence experience, and direct experience reviewing credit agreements and legal opinions. Experience in renewable energy, particularly wind, solar, and battery storage, is required. Additional experience involving power generation and transmission is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise administrative agents and lender syndicates regarding FERC regulatory risks in financings and refinancings involving:
  • Solar facilities
  • Wind facilities
  • Standalone battery storage
  • Hybrid energy facilities
• Advise clients regarding electric power and natural gas markets and rates.
• Counsel clients on the Federal Power Act, Natural Gas Act, Energy Policy Act of 2005, Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005, and PURPA, as well as other federal regulations affecting the energy industry.
• Represent energy traders, financial institutions, and electric utilities in FERC and CFTC investigations, including matters resolved prior to formal enforcement proceedings.
• Handle related federal court litigation and appellate matters.
• Support acquisitions involving generation and infrastructure assets, including:
  • Gas-fired generation
  • Cogeneration
  • Microgrids
  • District energy
  • Pumped storage
• Conduct and oversee legal due diligence in connection with energy-sector transactions.
• Review and analyze credit agreements and legal opinions.
• Work closely with project finance, M&A, regulatory, and other transactional attorneys on sophisticated energy matters.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of legal experience supporting project finance and M&A transactions in the energy sector
• Substantial FERC practice experience
• Hands-on experience conducting legal due diligence
• Direct experience reviewing credit agreements and legal opinions
• Experience in renewable energy, specifically wind, solar, or battery storage
• Experience with power generation and transmission preferred
• Strong knowledge of federal energy regulations and the regulatory framework governing the electric and natural gas industries
• Experience with FERC and/or CFTC investigations preferred
• Strong analytical, drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
• Must be admitted to the state bar in the jurisdiction of the preferred office location

Location

Washington, D.C. preferred; other U.S. offices may be considered.

Compensation

The firm offers a competitive compensation package based on experience, qualifications, and office location.