General Counsel

Job Posting: General CounselReports To: Chief Executive OfficerCompany: SunVest Solar, LLC®Location: Chicago, ILType: Full-Time, hybrid 3-4 days a week onsiteCompensation: Competitive Base Salary + Discretionary Bonus + Comprehensive BenefitsSunVest Solar, LLC (“SunVest”) is a rapidly growing, renewable energy platform, headquartered in Chicago with operating and development projects across the country. We are currently seeking to add a General Counsel,to join the company’s senior leadership team and play a pivotal role providing in-house advice on contract negotiations, supporting complex multi-party financing agreements and leading the legal strategy of the business. The following information provides an overview of the skills, qualities, and qualifications needed for this role.About SunVest:SunVest is a Chicago-based, nationally focused renewable energy company with a mission to cultivate access to renewable energy for America. With more than 2 gigawatts of development projects and a growing portfolio of operational assets expected to reach 300 megawatts in 2026, SunVest is shaping the future of renewable energy. Our expertise spans the entire energy transition value chain, from development and construction to financing and operations. For more information, visit As a fully integrated renewable energy platform, SunVest empowers its legal team to engage across the entire lifecycle of projects—development, construction, project finance, tax credit financing, and long-term asset management. This structure provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the full renewable energy landscape, from negotiating leases and easements to structured financing to long-term asset management, and everything in between.Position Overview:SunVest’s Legal team is responsible for providing comprehensive legal support across the organization, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and facilitating our ambitious growth plans through strategic legal counsel.As the General Counsel, you will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and be a key member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team. You will be responsible for leading and managing all legal aspects of SunVest’s project finance and development needs and will be expected to act as a strategic partner to the business. You will manage outside counsel efficiently to mitigate risk and reduce cost of capital. Your expertise in project finance negotiations will be pivotal to SunVest’s ongoing success, contributing to our sustainable growth strategy and the development of strategic plans for managing and improving renewable energy generation. In addition, your commercial judgment and business acumen will play an important role on the Executive Leadership Team as you help shape the strategic vision of the company. Key Responsibilities:In-House Legal Counsel: lead the negotiation and execution of key commercial agreements and contracts, including in relation to real estate, commercial contracting, project financing, litigation, etc. Ensure all financing arrangements comply with applicable laws and regulations. Provide legal advice and expertise to the Executive Leadership Team and the Board of Directors. Support the legal needs of the business on a day-to-day basis. Corporate Structure: Lead and manage the corporate legal structure of the business and its subsidiaries to optimize financings and as appropriate for regulatory and tax considerations. Policies: establish and manage policies appropriate for a General Counsel and create a best-in-class legal "ecosystem". Provide legal advice and support in the definition and development of corporate policies, procedures and programs.Litigation: provide counsel and oversight for all litigation, selecting and supervising outside counsel, judging the merits of major litigation, and approving settlements of disputes if warranted.Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including the development, finance, and operations teams, to understand the core business and strategic objectives and provide comprehensive legal support.External Counsel Management: Manage relationships with external legal counsel, ensuring efficient and cost-effective legal services. Oversee legal budgets related to project-specific needs to optimize legal expenditures and decrease the cost of capital. Originate and manage relationships with various outside counsels to maximize optionality and cost for legal services.Regulatory Compliance: Monitor and advise on the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, including prevailing wage, tax treatment of Investment Tax Credits, “beginning of construction” obligations, tariffs, Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC), etc. Qualifications:Minimum of 15 years practicing law with significant experience in one or more of renewable energy, real assets, infrastructure, project finance or structured financing.Prior experience at a top-tier law firm (e.g., AmLaw 100) providing sophisticated project finance or corporate transactional training, ideally followed by in-house leadership experience. Familiarity with regulatory frameworks governing renewable energy projects, including ITCs, beginning of construction obligations, tariffs, and FEOC compliance.Proven ability to mentor and develop legal staff, collaborate cross-functionally, and serve as a strategic business partner to senior leadership. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate legal advice to non-legal stakeholders.Innovative and adaptable, with excellent collaboration, organizational, and time management skills.A deep passion for the renewable energy sector and a principled approach to fostering sustainable energy solutions.Active bar admission.Compensation & Benefits:Full-time position with competitive base salary commensurate with experience, bonus opportunities, 401(k) employer match, health/vision/dental benefits Paid time off including company holidays Great opportunity to work with a well-respected fast-growing company in an exciting industry Opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a rapidly growing business from a critical position working side-by-side with the Executive Leadership TeamJoin SunVest in leading the charge to cultivate access to renewable energy for America SunVest 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. The salary range for this role reflects the broad array of factors considered in making compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, skill sets, experience, training, licensure, and certifications, as well as other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the geographic differential associated with the location where the position may be filled. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $275k-$300k. At SunVest, it is uncommon for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, as compensation decisions are tailored to the specifics of each case. We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. We request that recruiters and agencies refrain from contacting us regarding this or any other role within the company. xhmxlyz Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.