Job Description

General Counsel – Renewable Energy | In-House | Chicago, IL

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Company: SunVest Solar, LLC®

Location: Chicago, IL (Onsite)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Competitive Base Salary ($275k–$300k) + Discretionary Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits

About SunVest Solar

SunVest Solar, LLC (“SunVest”) is a rapidly growing, Chicago-based renewable energy company focused on distributed generation solar power and battery energy storage systems (BESS). With more than 2 gigawatts of development projects nationwide and a growing operational portfolio expected to exceed 200 MW by 2026, SunVest is shaping the future of clean energy in the United States. As a fully integrated renewable energy platform, SunVest develops, constructs, finances, owns, and operates solar and storage assets across the country. This integrated model allows our in-house legal team to engage across the entire project lifecycle—from site control and development through construction, project finance, tax equity, and long-term asset management.

Position Overview – General Counsel

SunVest is seeking an experienced General Counsel to join its Executive Leadership Team and serve as the company’s senior in-house attorney. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the General Counsel will lead SunVest’s legal strategy and provide hands-on legal support across project development, project finance, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and commercial contracting.

This role requires deep subject-matter expertise in renewable energy, project finance, and complex commercial transactions, as well as strong business judgment and executive presence. The General Counsel will manage outside counsel, mitigate legal and regulatory risk, and support the company’s growth strategy while helping reduce overall cost of capital.

Key Responsibilities

In-House Legal Leadership

• Lead negotiation and execution of complex commercial agreements, including real estate, EPC contracts, project finance, tax equity, M&A, and general commercial contracts
• Provide strategic legal advice to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors
• Serve as a trusted business partner on day-to-day legal and risk management matters

Corporate & Governance

• Lead and manage corporate structure across SunVest and its subsidiaries to support financing, tax, and regulatory objectives
• Oversee corporate governance, entity management, and board documentation

Project Finance & Regulatory Compliance

• Advise on renewable energy regulatory matters, including:
• Investment Tax Credits (ITC)
• Beginning of Construction requirements
• Prevailing wage and apprenticeship rules
• Tariffs and Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) compliance
• Monitor and interpret evolving federal, state, and local energy regulations

Litigation & Risk Management

• Oversee all litigation and dispute resolution matters
• Select, manage, and supervise outside counsel
• Evaluate litigation risk and approve settlements when appropriate

External Counsel & Budget Management

• Manage relationships with external counsel to ensure high-quality, cost-effective legal services
• Originate and manage legal vendor relationships to optimize optionality and control legal spend

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Development, Finance, Construction, Asset Management, and Operations teams
• Translate legal risk into practical, business-oriented guidance

Qualifications

• 15+ years of legal experience , with substantial experience in renewable energy, infrastructure, project finance, real assets, or structured finance
• Prior experience at a top-tier law firm (e.g., AmLaw 100), ideally followed by senior in-house leadership experience
• Strong working knowledge of renewable energy regulatory and tax frameworks
• Proven ability to lead legal strategy, mentor legal staff, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders
• Demonstrated business judgment, adaptability, and collaborative mindset
• Active bar admission in good standing

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary ($275k–$300k), commensurate with experience
• Discretionary bonus eligibility
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off and company holidays

Why Join SunVest?

• Executive-level role at a fast-growing renewable energy company
• High-impact position working directly with senior leadership
• Opportunity to shape legal strategy across the full lifecycle of clean energy projects
• Mission-driven organization committed to expanding access to renewable energy

Join SunVest in leading the charge to cultivate access to renewable energy for America!

SunVest Solar, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and are not responsible for any fees associated with such submissions.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs