Transactions Counsel

Pattern Energy; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) with employer contribution

Employee referral bonuses

Job summary

Pattern Energy in Houston, Texas, is seeking a legal expert to provide essential support across various functions, including project development and financing within the energy sector. The ideal candidate will draft and negotiate crucial agreements, ensuring compliance and effective risk management throughout our renewable energy initiatives.

The role demands a Juris Doctor degree and significant legal experience (7-10+ years) in the energy field. A strong foundation in project financing, M&A, and contractual risk is essential for success in this position. Join us in fostering a sustainable future through our mission at Pattern Energy.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of legal experience in the energy sector, preferably in electric power generation and transmission.
• Top-tier law firm training in project development, finance and/or M&A.
• Strong understanding of contractual risk allocation.

Responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate and advise on agreements related to renewable energy projects.
• Structure and negotiate financing arrangements for projects.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, and joint venture agreements.

Skills

Legal expertise in energy sector

Negotiation skills

Risk allocation understanding

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Company Overview

Pattern Energy is a leading renewable energy company that develops, constructs, owns, and operates high-quality wind and solar generation, transmission, and energy storage facilities. Our mission is to transition the world to renewable energy through the sustainable development and responsible operation of facilities with respect for the environment, communities, and cultures where we have a presence. Our approach begins and ends with establishing trust, accountability, and transparency. Our company values of creative spirit, pride of ownership, follow-through, and a team‑first attitude drive us to pursue our mission every day. Our culture supports our values by fostering innovative and critical thinking and a deep belief in living up to our promises. Headquartered in the United States, Pattern has a global portfolio of more than 30 power facilities and transmission assets, serving various customers that provide low‑cost clean energy to millions of consumers.

Responsibilities

The position provides legal support across development, origination, financing and corporate functions to an established renewable power company that develops, owns, operates and maintains electric power generation, storage, and transmission assets across the United States and Canada.

This position will be engaged on a variety of project development, construction, and finance issues in Pattern Energy’s business and the person must have the ability to act independently, operate proactively and have a passion and appreciation for the vision and mission of the company.

This role partners closely with cross‑functional stakeholders, including Business Development, Business Origination, Finance, construction and procurement, and other commercial teams—to deliver practical, business‑oriented legal advice and to manage a wide range of commercial and operational agreements in the energy sector.

Key Accountabilities

Development and Origination Support

• Draft, negotiate and offer solutions‑oriented advice on a broad range of aspects and issues related to renewable generation, transmission, and storage project development, including:
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
• Energy Storage and Supply Agreements (ESSAs)
• Build Transfer or Build Operate Transfer Agreements (BTAs)
• Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and task/work orders
• Transmission and interconnection agreements (LGIAs, TSAs)
• Operations & Maintenance (O&M) agreements
• Equipment supply and turbine agreements
• Engineering, procurement and construction agreements (EPC, BOP)
• Advise on ancillary issues such as warranty claims, contractor performance, and offtaker disputes.

Financing Support

• Structure, review and effectively negotiate debt and equity financing structures, including in connection with:
• Project level financing,
• Back‑leverage debt,
• Corporate level bank or bond financings,
• Leases and sale‑leasebacks,
• Tax equity partnership documents, and credit transfer sale documents,
• Multilateral agency financings, and
• Industrial revenue bonds.

Mergers & Acquisitions and Joint Venture Support

• Draft, negotiate, and offer solutions‑oriented advice in connection with the purchase and sale of assets and equity interests.
• Draft, negotiate and support the management of joint venture arrangements and semi‑independently managed subsidiaries.

Corporate & Business Support Agreements

• Draft, review, and manage high‑volume, business‑critical agreements, including:
• Non‑disclosure/confidentiality agreements (NDAs)
• Master service and supply agreements
• Vendor, consulting, and procurement agreements
• Provide practical, responsive legal support for internal clients to enable timely business execution.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Compliance

• Partner with internal stakeholders including Finance, Tax, Accounting, Insurance, and Supply Chain to ensure:
• Contract alignment with commercial objectives
• Compliance with internal policies and risk frameworks.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; active license to practice law.
• Top‑tier law firm training in project development, finance and/or M&A.
• 7–10+ years of legal experience in the energy sector, preferably in electric power generation and transmission.
• Demonstrated experience with:
• PPAs and other offtake agreements
• LGIAs
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements
• Supporting financing, joint ventures, and EPC, preferred.
• Strong understanding of contractual risk allocation, including indemnities and liability structures.

The expected starting pay range for this role is $200,000 - $240,000 USD. This range is an estimate and base pay may be above or below the ranges based on several factors including but not limited to location, work experience, certifications, and education. In addition to base pay, Pattern’s compensation program includes a bonus structure for full‑time employees of all levels. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, voluntary benefits, family care benefits, employee assistance program, paid time off and bonding leave, paid holidays, 401(k)/RRSP retirement savings plan with employer contribution, and employee referral bonuses.

Pattern Energy Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.