Legal Counsel, Renewable Energy - Apex Clean Energy

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. 

Apex is seeking a Legal Counsel, Renewable Energy 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%

To succeed as an Legal Counsel, Renewable Energy 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 professionalism to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Excellent business discernment and the ability to evaluate risk from a legal and business perspective.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a team-oriented perspective.
• Admitted in any US jurisdiction.
• The Associate Counsel will work from our headquarters in Charlottesville, VA.

At Apex Clean Energy, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and success. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet every qualification listed in the job description. Your unique experiences and skills could be the perfect fit for our team!

If you are passionate about renewable energy and want to join us in accelerating the shift to clean energy, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application for our team’s review!

Work Environment:

Works primarily traditional office hours in an indoor office environment. Flexible work hours allowed when work duties and business operations permit.

How You’ll Grow

At Apex Clean Energy, our professional development plans focus on helping people at every level of their career to identify and use their strengths to do their best work every day. From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there’s always room to learn. We offer opportunities to help sharpen skills in addition to hands-on experience in the dynamic, fast-paced renewable energy industry. From on-the-job learning experiences to a robust multi-week onboarding experience to formal development programs, our professionals have a variety of opportunities to continue to grow throughout their career.

What Apex Can Offer You

At Apex Clean Energy, we know that great people make a great company. We value our people and offer employees a broad, best-in-class range of benefits.

• A mission-driven, energetic environment that supports and encourages our people to do their best work every day.
• A respect for and celebration of individuality, differences, and uniqueness
• Collaborative and driven professional workforce committed to supporting your ideas and feedback and accelerating your potential
• Ongoing support and guidance such as on-the-job learning, hands-on experience, and mentorship
• Training, strategies, and tools to support your personal and professional growth
• Team atmosphere of diverse professionals committed to making an impact as an organization
• Opportunities to volunteer and give back to our local communities

At this time, Apex will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

Apex Clean Energy, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.