Real Estate Counsel – Battery Storage

Standalone energy storage is rapidly transforming the North American energy markets, because it is cheaper than new natural gas plants, faster to build than fossil peakers or transmission, and able to perform diverse energy services. Plus Power partners with electricity system operators, utilities, and investors to originate, develop, finance, own and operate standalone energy storage projects that provide critical services to the wholesale electric market. Plus Power’s team applies an intentional mindset to energy storage development by using a data-driven approach to development and operations.

At Plus Power, we are focused on solving hard climate problems, profitably. We are growing fast, and value candidates who, like us, share a focus on setting high expectations, owning and learning from mistakes in the spirit of radical transparency, and are committed to internal partnering as a key element of our ideas meritocracy. Our team praises Plus Power’s culture and excels through our game-changing mission and supportive ecosystem.

About the Role

Plus Power recruits outstanding energy industry professionals who are driven to develop, build and operate assets safely and reliably to decarbonize the power markets while growing their careers. Our team looks for data-driven and fact-based mindsets, engaging and collaborative behaviors, and personal growth-focused professionals.

We are looking for Counsel, specializing in Commercial Real Estate, to join the Legal team. This qualified individual would work under the guidance of the Deputy General Counsel, Real Estate to provide legal counsel and guidance to the Real Estate Team (which sits within the Development Department) and to Plus Power more broadly. In this role, this individual will be responsible for legal drafting for site acquisition efforts, supporting real estate de-risking activities, and representing real estate legal in Plus Power’s project financings and tax equity investments. This role will also have opportunities to support and collaborate with teams across Plus Power’s functional groups, including the broader Development team, as well as the Permitting, Interconnection, EPC, Finance and O&M teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Real Estate’s Land Acquisition and Management Team in drafting and negotiating option to purchase agreements, option to lease agreements, purchase and sale agreements, leases, easements, crossing consents, amendments and various other real property agreements.
• Support Real Estate’s Title and Survey Team in finding resolution to complex title and survey issues.
• Serve as Legal team lead in site acquisition closings.
• Support the Deputy General Counsel, Real Estate and the Real Estate Team in real estate deliverables for project financings and tax equity investments.
• Serve as the Legal team lead advising the Real Estate Team on real estate deliverables for mechanical completion and substantial completion tax equity fundings and debt term conversions.
• Support the Deputy General Counsel, Real Estate in developing and implementing best practices for the Real Estate Team from a legal perspective.
• Oversee local counsel and assist the Deputy General Counsel, Real Estate in selecting and engaging local counsel and other external counsel.

Skills & Qualifications

• J.D. required.
• 3 – 4 years of experience within a top-tier law firm; in-house experience supporting real estate efforts for utility scale renewable energy-related development is a plus.
• Extensive experience drafting, negotiating, and advising on sophisticated purchase and sale agreements, option agreements, ground lease agreements, easements, amendments and other real property agreements.
• Extensive experience in title and survey review, risk identification and risk resolution.
• Extensive experience in negotiating title insurance policies, and familiarity with energy title policies secured for renewable energy and/or energy storage projects.
• Knowledge of full project development life cycle, key deliverables, commercial issues, project risks and opportunities, the diligence process, and material project documents and their impact, all from a real estate perspective.
• Experience representing real estate matters to support complex project financings.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision.
• Experience with representing real estate in complex M&A transactions.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a cross-functional environment with both technical and non-technical team members who are geographically dispersed.
• Strong presentation and writing skills.
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office products – Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Compensation and Benefits

Highly competitive remuneration from one of North America’s leading energy storage developers, owners and operators. Flexible, work from home acceptable for the long-term, or hybrid work from Plus Power’s offices in San Francisco or Houston.

The salary range* for this position begins at $185,000. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant experience, skills, qualifications, geographic labor market, and other factors consistent with applicable law. This position is also eligible to participate in our annual discretionary bonus program.

Plus Power offers a comprehensive benefits program, unlimited vacation, flexible remote work, and a highly engaging company culture with opportunities for growth.

The deadline* for applying to this role is 30 days from the date of initial posting (10/15/2024)

Plus Power is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where people of all backgrounds can thrive. Plus Power is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

• This information is provided in accordance with applicable law.