Job Description

Earthrise Energy is seeking a Counsel, Real Estate to support the Earthrise Energy development team in the acquisition of fee simple, leases, rights of way, and other property rights for our current ~900+ MW pipeline of solar + storage projects.  The role will also support permitting and zoning processes in connection with our overall development of renewable energy projects.  As a small, but growing company, the Counsel, Real Estate will also contribute to overall enterprise development and company culture and will be involved periodically in additional projects, such as diligence support for potential acquisitions.    

This position will report to the Deputy General Counsel. The successful candidate will have significant real estate experience, preferably with renewable energy projects and will interact with members of the Earthrise Energy executive management team on a frequent basis.  

Responsibilities  

• Act as lead internal counsel to Earthrise’s Development team, providing advice on day-to-day matters relating to land acquisition and development. 
• Negotiate, review, and prepare land rights agreements, including leases, easements, transmission rights of way, and purchases. 
• Advise on permitting and zoning matters, including road use agreements, state laws and local ordinances specific to solar development. 
• Negotiate and review commercial agreements from time to time, including NDAs, services agreements, consulting agreements, and supply agreements.  
• Support M&A efforts primarily through real estate, zoning, permitting and development related due diligence. 

Qualifications 

• J.D., license to practice in Illinois preferred, but not required. 
• 3 to 7 years of experience practicing law, with at least 3 years of private law firm experience. 
• Substantial experience in real estate and real estate related matters is required. 
• Experience with permitting, zoning and state and local development laws, ordinances and regulations is preferred.  
• Experience with the renewable industry and specifically solar is preferred.  
• Experience with commercial contracting, including NDAs, services agreements, consulting agreements, and supply agreements as well as M&A transactions, including due diligence, is preferred. 

Characteristics and Competencies 

• Desire to work in a fast-paced, start-up style environment 
• Highly energetic and hardworking self-starter who must demonstrate an attention to detail 
• Substantial level of intellectual curiosity and willingness to be held accountable.     
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.  
• Ability to work well with others in a highly collaborative team environment.  
• Honest, reliable, self-aware, low ego and conscientious.  
• Excellent organization and prioritization skills.