Real Estate Counsel

New Leaf Energy is an experienced clean energy developer that partners with landowners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to accelerate the transition to a world powered by renewable energy. We identify high-value sites, work with landowners and local communities to develop them, and partner with long-term asset owners to bring the most impactful clean energy projects to life.

New Leaf Energy is seeking a

Real Estate Counsel

to join our team! You will support and advise the company’s project developers, engineers and project finance professionals relating to real estate development activities for a large portfolio of commercial photovoltaic solar projects, energy storage projects and wind projects spanning more than 18 states. This role requires knowledge, skills, character, and a solutions-oriented approach.

This position may be filled out of our Lowell, MA; Boston, MA; Troy, NY; Oakland, CA; or Chicago, IL offices. We value in-person collaboration and offer a hybrid work environment. Hybrid employees work in the office at least two out of every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and are free to work from the office or home on other days.

Position Responsibilities Will Include, But Are Not Limited To

- Lead in drafting, negotiating, and revising option and lease agreements, options to purchase, easements, development agreements, decommissioning bonds, amendments, referral agreements, assignment agreements and other real estate related documents;

- Identify and implement measures to improve the quality and efficiency of the company's processes relating to obtaining of site control, due diligence, and closing on the sale of development assets;

- Assist with and oversee the review and summary of title reports, underlying title documents, and ALTA surveys, and draft various title curative instruments;

- Advise Project Finance and Project Development teams regarding the impact of real estate matters on financeability of projects;

- Negotiate with buyers, lenders, and title companies to resolve all real estate issues to close out projects;

- Draft, negotiate, and revise various master services agreements;

- Supervise outside counsel as necessary;

- Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

While no one individual will possess them all, the successful candidate will bring many of the following experiences, skills, and attributes. If you’re unsure whether you meet enough of the qualifications below but believe that your experience and skill set is a good match for this position, we invite you to apply!

- Law degree and strong academic record from a leading ABA-accredited law school;

- At least 4 years of substantial, relevant legal experience at a top-tier law firm, sophisticated corporate legal department or combination of the two;

- Extensive experience drafting and negotiating site leases, easements, and other real estate contracts;

- Experience reviewing title and survey, clearing title exceptions, and obtaining final title commitments and title policies;

- Experience with reviewing ALTA surveys;

- Experience with the real estate-related requirements of parties that finance the development and construction of renewable energy projects;

- Excellent organizational and time management skills;

- Attention to detail with strong written and oral communication skills;

- Passion for accelerating the adoption of renewable energy;

- Licensed to practice law in any state.

Compensation

New Leaf Energy compensates all employees in three ways: market-competitive base salary, plus above-market variable compensation, plus an equity-like program such that all employees experience the benefits of ownership. We use a data-driven and transparent methodology to calibrate compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable, guided by the New Leaf Energy compensation manual, which is available to all employees.

Under our compensation framework, the likely base salary range in the Oakland, CA area for this position is $192,010 - $223,160. The on-target annual cash bonus associated with this position is an additional 10% percent of base salary. Your actual salary may be above, in, or below this range, depending on your location and experience. We value transparency and can share more during the interview process.

Benefits And Culture

New Leaf Energy’s success is driven by our collaborative, long-term relationships based on trust and transparency. We offer a flexible work environment that places significant responsibility in independent teams and creates opportunities for innovation and personal growth. New Leaf Energy’s benefits are designed to appropriately recognize our employees’ contributions and enable a reasonable work/life balance. Our benefits include:

- Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental and vision;

- A 401k plan with immediate vesting and a company match (100% of the first three percent of your pay; 50% for the next two percent you contribute);

- An open and self-managed paid time-off policy;

- A hybrid work location policy that supports working from home for part of the week;

- A parental leave policy for both birthing and non-birthing parents, available immediately upon hire;

- Professional development and education assistance.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

New Leaf Energy values the diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and contributions of all employees. We want all our employees to feel like they belong and are empowered to be their most authentic selves at work. We’re actively committed to fostering diversity and creating an inclusive environment not only within our own organization but also within the clean energy industry.

We seek a diverse candidate pool in this–and every–search. New Leaf Energy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal and local laws. In addition to federal law requirements, New Leaf Energy complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. EEO M/F/D/V.

A Note to Third-Party Recruiters New Leaf Energy’s People + Culture team coordinates all recruiting and hiring at our company. New Leaf Energy does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, staffing firms, or related agencies. Resumes are only accepted from third-party recruiters, staffing firms, or related agencies if a signed agreement is in place AND if external recruiting assistance is authorized by the People + Culture team for a specific position. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of New Leaf Energy. New Leaf Energy is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.