Associate Counsel, Development

Company Description

Apex Clean Energy was founded with a singular focus: to accelerate the shift to clean energy. Through origination, construction, and operation of utility-scale wind, solar, and storage facilities, distributed energy resources, and green fuel technologies, Apex is expanding the renewable frontier across North America. Our mission-driven team of more than 400 professionals uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information about how Apex is building the energy company of the future, visit apexcleanenergy.com.

Apex strives to excel in every phase of project realization, from origination and financing to construction and asset management. Our mission-driven team seeks determined, resolute individuals who strive to innovate and go above the call of duty, and who will relentlessly do their part to help accelerate the shift to America’s clean energy future. 

Job Description

Apex is seeking an Associate Counsel, Development who will work closely with our team of attorneys to provide full legal services to internal clients in connection with the acquisition, development, financing, and construction of utility-scale renewable energy projects. With direction from the General Counsel, the Associate Counsel will also manage a wide variety of project and corporate matters to support the Company’s efforts to develop, construct, own and operate projects.

The successful candidate will have a Juris Doctor degree, at least two years of law firm and/or in-house experience, and experience with the development of large infrastructure projects. Our ideal candidate has experience with renewable energy permitting, development, and supporting such projects through finance transactions an outstanding analytical ability, excellent writing skills, and is both detail-oriented and able to demonstrate leadership and initiative. A demonstrated interest in renewable energy projects is the greatest indicator of success for this position.

The position will work day-to-day with members of the Legal and Development teams. The successful candidate will be resourceful and driven to support numerous internal clients, with a focus on bringing clean energy projects through development and construction and into operations.  You will also possess the sense of ownership and a real passion for innovation needed to drive meaningful improvements in how the company avoids or resolves obstacles to project development. If you welcome new challenges as learning opportunities and have the skills and discipline to follow through on both small tasks and large projects, we encourage you to apply to join our growing team.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide legal support and strategic advice with regard to development of our projects for financing, construction, and operation
• Help lead and execute on local, state, and federal permitting for energy projects
• Help lead and execute agreements with local, state, and federal agencies on topics including state and local tax issues, road improvements, and environmental mitigation,
• Anticipate issues and estimate risks strategically
• Efficiently and effectively manage permit appeals and other development-related legal proceedings 
• Develop and coordinate relationships with external lawyers and maintain a good balance between usage, efficiency, and cost

• Hours: Full Time
• Department: Legal
• Travel: 10%

Qualifications

To succeed as an Associate Counsel, Development at Apex Clean Energy, you’ll meet many of the following criteria:

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• 2-8 years of experience in regulatory, litigation, land-use, or environmental practice areas at a top-tier law firm, sophisticated corporate legal department or combination of the two.
• Permitting experience, including reviewing, revising, drafting, and defending permit applications, negotiating, and advising on sophisticated and complex contracts, and coordinating with internal subject-matter experts.
• Experience coordinating regulatory processes and procedures
• The ability to identify and implement practical solutions to complex business and legal problems
• Demonstrated flexibility and organizational skills to manage numerous and sometimes competing responsibilities of varying urgency and criticality within a fast-paced work environment
• Hardworking, responsive and adaptable to what the situation dictates, including possessing the diligence to advance matters independently, combined with the strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in a diverse team.
• Demonstrated high level of integrity and professiona