Senior Legal Counsel, Renewable Project Finance

Sunrun Inc.; California; On-site; USD 165,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunrun Inc. seeks a Senior Legal Counsel to lead complex project finance transactions and provide strategic legal guidance across the energy renewables portfolio. You will structure, negotiate, and close multi-million dollar deals, including tax equity, debt, and securitizations, collaborating with executives and outside counsel to accelerate Sunrun’s growth.

The role requires a J.D., 4+ years in project finance, and active U.S. bar admission.

Qualifications

• J.D. Degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing in at least one U.S. state bar.
• Minimum of 4+ years of dedicated law practice focusing on project finance.

Responsibilities

• Lead drafting and closing of complex project financing transactions (tax equity, debt, asset-backed securitizations).
• Oversee due diligence processes and coordinate with executive leadership and outside counsel.
• Provide strategic, risk-informed legal advice to business partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Project finance

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Education

J.D. Degree

Bar admission (US)

Tools

AI tools usage

Legal research tools

Job description

At Sunrun, we’re on a mission to change the way the world interacts with energy, and we’re building a company and brand that puts power at the center of life. To do it, we’re designing a dynamic culture where employee development, well-being, and safety come first. It’s why we’ve become the #1 home solar and battery company in America. We’re unlike any other residential energy company. Our vertically integrated model gives us total control over every part of the energy lifecycle – from sale through installation and beyond – so you can find endless opportunities for growth. Come join a career you can grow in and a culture you can run with.

Who We Are

We’re on a mission to make energy more reliable and affordable for more people. We provide an opportunity with storage and solar to help people access greater energy independence without the big upfront costs. Sunrun is the largest dedicated residential solar and storage company in the country and has a mission to bring stably priced resilient power to the masses.

Overview
As Senior Legal Counsel, you will be a key leader overseeing complex project finance transactions, providing advice and counsel on legal issues in conjunction with the Assistant General Counsel. You will establish operational legal objectives and processes for closing complex transactions, providing strategic counsel that is risk-informed and carries significant financial impact for the company. This role demands a strong business mindset, expertise in project finance law, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment. You will contribute directly to our mission of expanding access to clean energy and building a sustainable future.

This is a pivotal role for a legal professional, primarily focused on project finance transactions, to drive Sunrun's core mission. You will serve as the in-house legal expert, leading the structuring, negotiation, and closing of complex, high-value transactions, including tax equity, debt, and asset-backed securitizations for distributed renewable energy. Your strategic counsel on project financing will directly enable the rapid expansion of clean energy solutions, requiring significant expertise and the autonomy to advise executive stakeholders and manage outside counsel on multi-million dollar deals under the latest federal legislation.

Key Responsibilities

Project Finance Focus:

• Serve on a team of in-house legal attorneys to draft transaction documents and manage closing mechanics and conditions precedent for complex project financing transactions, including back-leverage debt, term debt, and subordinated debt, asset-backed securitizations, and tax equity and ITC transfer transactions that are structured as large portfolio financings of distributed generation assets.

• Manage corporate approvals and disclosures related to project financing transactions, including drafting resolutions, operating agreements, and affiliate agreements, and coordinating with executive and board stakeholders for transaction approvals.

• Oversee and direct the legal due diligence process, closely working with other legal and business teams to respond to investor questions, including KYC, corporate, and consumer protection compliance due diligence.
  

Autonomous Collaboration and External Management:

• Operate autonomously as a legal and strategic resource to non-lawyer business partners, providing practical, high-impact, and solution-oriented legal advice.

• Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing AI tools to enhance productivity and streamline workflows, or possess the agility and "growth mindset" to rapidly master new AI technologies as they are integrated into Sunrun’s operations.
  

Required Qualifications

• J.D. Degree from an accredited law school.

• Active Membership in good standing in at least one U.S. state bar.

• Minimum of 4+ years of dedicated, top-tier experience practicing law, with a primary focus on Project Finance, preferably from a leading law firm's Project Finance and Development group.

• Strong focus in renewable energy financing transactions, including portfolio financing structures.

• Proven ability to independently drive numerous complex, high-value transactions from term sheet to closing under tight deadlines.

• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with an ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and decisively to executive leadership.
  

Physical Demands

• Ability to perform normal office duties

• Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, and determine the accuracy of work

• Ability to interact and participate in meetings

Travel

• Less than 5% travel is required, primarily for team-building purposes

Recruiter:

Danielle Levitan ([e-mail])

Please note that the compensation information is made in good faith for this position only. It assumes that the successful candidate will be located in markets within the United States that warrant the compensation. Please speak with your recruiter to learn more.

Starting salary/wage for this opportunity:

$165,282.35 to $220,376.47

Compensation decisions will not be based on a candidate's salary history. You can learn morehere.

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities, some essential job functions, and qualifications for the role. It may not include all essential functions, tasks, or requirements. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and you need reasonable accommodation during the hiring process or to perform this role, please contact us at [e-mail].

Sunrun is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. We believe that empowering people and valuing their differences are essential for our mission of connecting people to the cleanest energy on earth. Learn more here: EEO | Sunrun