Energy Project Finance Attorney

Job Overview:

A highly respected law firm is seeking experienced Senior Energy Project Finance Attorney to join its Energy, Infrastructure, and Project Finance team. The firm is looking for one attorney with a strong background in debt financing and another with expertise in tax equity and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) within the renewable energy sector. This role provides an opportunity to represent major energy industry players, including utilities, independent power producers, and investors, in high-profile transactions.

Location:

Chicago, IL

Duties:

• Represent sponsors and financing parties in transactions related to the development, acquisition, and financing of renewable energy projects.

• Debt-Focused Attorney:

  • Handle project finance transactions with a strong emphasis on construction debt, term debt, and equipment supply loans.

  • Draft and negotiate debt term sheets, loan agreements, security documents, collateral assignment consents, guarantees, and ancillary debt documents.

• Tax Equity/M&A-Focused Attorney:

  • Structure and negotiate tax equity partnerships, cash equity investments, joint ventures, and acquisitions/sales of renewable energy project portfolios.

  • Draft and negotiate term sheets, equity capital contribution agreements, partnership agreements, membership interest purchase agreements, estoppels, guarantees, and other ancillary equity documents.

• Provide counsel on project development and operations, including EPC contracts, supply agreements, offtake agreements, and O&M agreements.

• Supervise junior associates, ensuring the seamless execution of transactions.

• Communicate directly with clients and third-party advisors.

Requirements:

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in project finance within the energy industry.

• Experience in a large law firm with a national reputation or a comparable in-house counsel role.

• Strong background in debt financing or tax equity/M&A for renewable energy projects.

• Ability to manage complex transactions and take ownership of projects.

• Proven leadership in mentoring junior associates and working collaboratively within a team.

• Strong communication and negotiation skills to effectively interact with clients, financial institutions, and legal professionals.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a top-tier law school.

Certifications:

• Active State Bar membership in good standing in the state of residence.

Skills:

• Expertise in project finance, including debt financing or tax equity/M&A.

• Strong legal drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.

• Familiarity with renewable energy industry agreements, such as EPC contracts and power purchase agreements.

• Ability to handle multiple transactions and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

This California-based AmLaw100 firm is appealing for its professional culture, but relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. Famous for its corporate practice, the attorneys at this firm are proud of the work they perform and are always striving to do ?good work,? while still maintaining a healthy family- balance and interacting with their colleagues in firm-wide social events. The firm pays top-of-market compensation.