General Counsel – Solect Energy

Solect Energy, based in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, is the recognized leader in commercial-scale solar and energy storage. We develop smart, customized strategies based on a deep assessment of each customer’s energy needs and requirements, then deliver solar design and installation solutions, operations and maintenance services, and the most advanced energy storage systems. Solect offers proven expertise in development, technology, policy, and incentives, as well as individualized financial guidance. Our practical, systematic approach helps businesses and organizations reduce energy costs and optimize their solar investment. To date, Solect has installed over 130 megawatts of commercial PV systems, with a focus on commercial, industrial, public and institutional properties throughout New England. For more information, visit http://www.solect.com or follow us on Twitter at @SolectSolar .

Solect Energy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pattern Energy.

Responsibilities

Solect Energy Development LLC (“Solect Energy” or “Company”) is seeking to add an enthusiastic, mission-driven attorney to fill the role of General Counsel. Continuing to scale the business in the Northeastern US market and achieve financial goals will require a General Counsel who can strengthen Solect Energy’s competitive positioning by providing best-in-class legal support to the CEO, functional leaders and board; leading legal diligence and streamlining the processes involved in contracting, reporting, and financing activity; achieving unquestioned compliance in all legal, regulatory and corporate governance matters. This individual will be engaged on a variety of C&I project development, finance, and asset management issues. Solect Energy is an entrepreneurial venture and the person must have the ability to act independently, operate proactively and have a passion and appreciation for the vision and mission of the company.

Reporting to Ken Driscoll, CEO and Founder of Solect Energy, the General Counsel (GC) will be a core member of Solect Energy’s executive leadership team with responsibility for leading the Company’s legal function. This individual will serve as an advisor to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other members of senior leadership, providing strategic business counsel and guidance to maximize opportunity for profitable growth ensuring Solect Energy mitigates risk, meets legal requirements, and complies with regulatory statutes.

The General Counsel Will Have Direct Responsibility For

• Building collaborative relationships with all levels of management across the organization, ensuring the proper climate for legal function effectiveness and advising them on the interpretation, analysis, and review of pertinent documents and agreements.
• Working with the board and Solect Energy’s parent company to establish and implement policies, plans, practices, and programs of legal controls within the company to ensure compliance and protect the company, management, and directors from legal liability
• Attending to all aspects and issues related to C&I renewable project development and financing;
• Drafting, review, negotiate Power Purchase Agreements, Site Control Documents, Purchase and Installation Agreements, and other project documents in support of the sales team.
• Working with construction team in support of their procurement and construction efforts;
• Drafting, review, and negotiate Services Agreements; and
• Working with support personnel to oversee the maintenance of the corporate records and good standing requirements of the Company. Interface with document management to assure retention of complete records of each transaction;
• Overseeing regulatory compliance matters, including managing regulatory relationships and interfacing with key regulators as needed; ensure that Solect Energy is compliant with all laws, regulations and rules that apply to its activities, including corporate code of conduct, equal opportunity, environmental, anti-corruption, and consumer regulatory matters; as well as stay apprised of regulatory changes that may impact the company. Also, oversee the compliance with and enforcement of the Company’s various contractual arrangements.
• Advising the CEO and executive leadership on regulatory strategy and emerging regulatory and compliance issues.
• Managing efficient and effective relationships with outside counsel and establish procedures for evaluating the quality and cost of outside counsel.
• Advising the company on the litigation risks of possible business decisions and proactively counsel on the appropriate strategy to defend or resolve litigation, including settlement where appropriate to reduce overall financial and reputational costs. Provide representation in all litigation to protect company assets and wellbeing.
• Leading the Company’s legal team to achieve the goals of the business. This includes the design of the function structure, hiring, retaining and developing talent.

Qualifications

Requirements

The successful candidate must possess at least the following qualifications:

• Law degree from an accredited institution.
• Experience working renewable energy.
• Must be qualified to practice law in the U.S., ideally in MA or other New England jurisdiction.
• Must have 8-10 years of energy related experience with a US law firm or in house counsel with a project development company with similar experience.
• Significant experience in commercial finance/asset finance (including project finance) non-recourse debt, tax equity, together with M&A experience highly desirable.
• Industry and/or in-house experience with a finance/investment/development company will be highly regarded.
• Ability to take a commercial approach to the provision of legal advice.
• Ability to handle a variety of projects, manage competing priorities and coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Self-motivated, self-disciplined, and highly results oriented.
• Ability to think and work independently, but to be collaborative as required.
• Ability to work with all levels of management.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Candidates with experience managing a team is preferred.
• Willingness to travel as required (10%).
• Commitment to high integrity, ethics and professionalism consistent with Solect Energy’ mission, vision and values

Strong preference for position to be based in greater Boston area. However, the candidate may be remotely located.

The expected starting pay range for this role is $174,000 – $235,000 USD. This range is an estimate and base pay may be above or below the ranges based on several factors including but not limited to location, work experience, certifications, and education. In addition to base pay, Pattern’s compensation program includes a bonus structure for full-time employees of all levels. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, voluntary benefits, family care benefits, employee assistance program, paid time off and bonding leave, paid holidays, 401(k)/RRSP retirement savings plan with employer contribution, and employee referral bonuses.

Solect Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, disability, medical condition, genetic predisposition to a disease, lawful off-duty conduct or political activities, or any other legally protected status. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leave of absence, compensation, and training. Discrimination based on any of the above groups is strictly prohibited. Any employee who engages in such conduct is subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal. Solect Energy encourages its employees to bring any perceived violation of this policy immediately to the Management who will investigate their concern in as discreet a manner as possible.