General Counsel

General Counsel – Renewable Energy | In-House | Chicago, ILReports To: Chief Executive OfficerCompany: SunVest Solar, LLC®Location: Chicago, IL (Onsite)Employment Type: Full-TimeCompensation: Competitive Base Salary ($275k–$300k) + Discretionary Bonus + Comprehensive BenefitsAbout SunVest SolarSunVest Solar, LLC (“SunVest”) is a rapidly growing, Chicago-based renewable energy company focused on distributed generation solar power and battery energy storage systems (BESS). With more than 2 gigawatts of development projects nationwide and a growing operational portfolio expected to exceed 200 MW by 2026, SunVest is shaping the future of clean energy in the United States. As a fully integrated renewable energy platform, SunVest develops, constructs, finances, owns, and operates solar and storage assets across the country. This integrated model allows our in-house legal team to engage across the entire project lifecycle—from site control and development through construction, project finance, tax equity, and long-term asset management.Position Overview – General CounselSunVest is seeking an experienced General Counsel to join its Executive Leadership Team and serve as the company’s senior in-house attorney. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the General Counsel will lead SunVest’s legal strategy and provide hands-on legal support across project development, project finance, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and commercial contracting.This role requires deep subject-matter expertise in renewable energy, project finance, and complex commercial transactions, as well as strong business judgment and executive presence. The General Counsel will manage outside counsel, mitigate legal and regulatory risk, and support the company’s growth strategy while helping reduce overall cost of capital.Key ResponsibilitiesIn-House Legal LeadershipLead negotiation and execution of complex commercial agreements, including real estate, EPC contracts, project finance, tax equity, M&A, and general commercial contractsProvide strategic legal advice to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of DirectorsServe as a trusted business partner on day-to-day legal and risk management mattersCorporate & GovernanceLead and manage corporate structure across SunVest and its subsidiaries to support financing, tax, and regulatory objectivesOversee corporate governance, entity management, and board documentationProject Finance & Regulatory ComplianceAdvise on renewable energy regulatory matters, including:Investment Tax Credits (ITC)Beginning of Construction requirementsPrevailing wage and apprenticeship rulesTariffs and Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) complianceMonitor and interpret evolving federal, state, and local energy regulationsLitigation & Risk ManagementOversee all litigation and dispute resolution mattersSelect, manage, and supervise outside counselEvaluate litigation risk and approve settlements when appropriateExternal Counsel & Budget ManagementManage relationships with external counsel to ensure high-quality, cost-effective legal servicesOriginate and manage legal vendor relationships to optimize optionality and control legal spendCross-Functional CollaborationPartner closely with Development, Finance, Construction, Asset Management, and Operations teamsTranslate legal risk into practical, business-oriented guidanceQualifications15+ years of legal experience, with substantial experience in renewable energy, infrastructure, project finance, real assets, or structured financePrior experience at a top-tier law firm (e.g., AmLaw 100), ideally followed by senior in-house leadership experienceStrong working knowledge of renewable energy regulatory and tax frameworksProven ability to lead legal strategy, mentor legal staff, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environmentExcellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholdersDemonstrated business judgment, adaptability, and collaborative mindsetActive bar admission in good standingCompensation & BenefitsCompetitive base salary ($275k–$300k), commensurate with experienceDiscretionary bonus eligibilityComprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage401(k) with employer matchPaid time off and company holidaysWhy Join SunVest?Executive-level role at a fast-growing renewable energy companyHigh-impact position working directly with senior leadershipOpportunity to shape legal strategy across the full lifecycle of clean energy projectsMission-driven organization committed to expanding access to renewable energyJoin SunVest in leading the charge to cultivate access to renewable energy for AmericaSunVest Solar, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and are not responsible for any fees associated with such submissions.