General Counsel

WHO WE ARE:

Heelstone Renewable Energy is a utility-scale solar developer headquartered in Durham, NC with expertise in originating, financing, constructing, and operating solar photovoltaic projects. Heelstone has developed and achieved commercial operation on over 80 solar projects with an aggregate generating capacity of approximately 1.2 GW. Heelstone has partnered with Qualitas Energy, to fund its development platform and transition to an IPP. For more information, please visit www.heelstoneenergy.com.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Heelstone is seeking a General Counsel who will play a pivotal role in advising both management and the Board on the legal risk implications of all organizational activities. This position will oversee all legal aspects of project finance transactions, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and commercial agreements. The General Counsel integrates legal expertise with a strategic mindset to support the organization in achieving its objectives while safeguarding its interests and fostering a culture of integrity.

The ideal candidate is a business-oriented legal expert with a strong background in energy law, expertise in project finance, and transactional matters. The candidate should also possess strong people leadership skills and have experience with professional development of a team of attorneys and paralegals.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

Legal Strategy and Compliance:

• Develop and implement legal strategies to support the company's business objectives and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Provide legal guidance on corporate governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance matters.
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations affecting the renewable energy industry and advise the executive team on potential impacts. Counsel officers and managers to develop business strategies and solutions to mitigate identified risks.
• Select and manage outside counsel as needed to mitigate risk.

Contract Management:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements, including project development agreements, power purchase agreements (PPAs), construction contracts, financing agreements, and vendor contracts.
• Ensure contracts accurately reflect the company's interests and mitigate legal risks.
• Oversee contract administration processes and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.

Project Development and Due Diligence:

• Provide legal support for project development activities, including site acquisition, permitting, interconnection agreements, and land use issues.
• Conduct legal due diligence for project acquisitions and financings, including reviewing title reports, environmental assessments, and regulatory approvals.

Corporate Transactions and Governance:

• Support corporate transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and equity financings, including drafting transaction documents and conducting due diligence.
• Advise on corporate governance matters, including the board of directors' responsibilities, shareholder relations, and compliance with corporate policies and procedures.
• Attend and support all board of director meetings, including preparation and review of supporting materials.

Dispute Resolution and Litigation Management:

• Manage legal disputes and litigation matters, including coordinating with external counsel and representing the company's interests in negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, and court proceedings.
• Develop strategies to resolve disputes efficiently while minimizing legal and financial risks.

Leadership:

• Provide leadership and professional development to the team of attorneys and paralegals.
• Provide guidance to all employees in handling complex problems and resolving escalated complaints.
• Identify areas for growth of legal team, including identifying: new hires, training, career advancement and team organization.

REQUIRED SKILLS
Minimum of 10 years of experience in a similar role with a focus on renewable energy
Expertise in M&A and project finance, including the negotiation and execution of financing arrangements for renewable energy projects, from development through construction and operations
Demonstrated experience managing teams of attorneys and paralegals in a hybrid work environment.
Knowledge of relevant regulations and industry standards
Expertise in structured and complex financing
Possess effective time management, project management, dispute resolution and interpersonal skills.
Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills
Strong interpersonal intelligence and ability to manage relationships of internal and external parties
Desire to mentor and plan professional development and growth of legal team members
Exceptional analytical capabilities and attention to detail
Self-starter that operates well in an entrepreneurial and collaborative environment
Strong sense of accountability, taking ownership over projects and responsibilities and resolving issues proactively.
Ability to work concurrently on a variety of projects, prioritize efforts, and work effectively under pressure

EDUCATION & TECHNICAL SKILLS
Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited US law school
Active bar admission in good standing
Strong computer skills including working knowledge of the Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).
Experience working with Datarooms such as Box, DropBox and SharePoint.