General Counsel

General Counsel – Renewable Energy | In-House | Chicago, IL

Reports To :

Chief Executive Officer

Location : Chicago, IL (Onsite)

Employment Type : Full‑Time

Compensation :

Competitive Base Salary ($275 k–$300 k) + Discretionary Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits

SunVest 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 Counsel

SunVest 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.

Base Pay Range

$275,000.00 / yr - $300,000.00 / yr

Key Responsibilities

In‑House Legal Leadership

Lead negotiation and execution of complex commercial agreements, including real estate, EPC contracts, project finance, tax equity, M&A, and general commercial contracts

Provide strategic legal advice to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors

Serve as a trusted business partner on day‑to‑day legal and risk management matters

Corporate & Governance

Lead and manage corporate structure across SunVest and its subsidiaries to support financing, tax, and regulatory objectives

Oversee corporate governance, entity management, and board documentation

Project Finance & Regulatory Compliance

Advise on renewable energy regulatory matters, including investment tax credits (ITC), beginning of construction requirements, prevailing wage and apprenticeship rules, tariffs, and Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) compliance

Monitor and interpret evolving federal, state, and local energy regulations

Oversee all litigation and dispute resolution matters

Select, manage, and supervise outside counsel

Evaluate litigation risk and approve settlements when appropriate

External Counsel & Budget Management

Manage relationships with external counsel to ensure high‑quality, cost‑effective legal services

Originate and manage legal vendor relationships to optimize optionality and control legal spend

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with Development, Finance, Construction, Asset Management, and Operations teams

Translate legal risk into practical, business‑oriented guidance

Qualifications

15+ years of legal experience , with substantial experience in renewable energy, infrastructure, project finance, real assets, or structured finance

Prior experience at a top‑tier law firm (e.g., AmLaw 100), ideally followed by senior in‑house leadership experience

Strong working knowledge of renewable energy regulatory and tax frameworks

Proven ability to lead legal strategy, mentor legal staff, and operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment

Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex legal concepts to non‑legal stakeholders

Demonstrated business judgment, adaptability, and collaborative mindset

Benefits

Competitive base salary ($275 k–$300 k), commensurate with experience

Discretionary bonus eligibility

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off and company holidays

Why Join SunVest?

Executive‑level role at a fast‑growing renewable energy company

High‑impact position working directly with senior leadership

Opportunity to shape legal strategy across the full lifecycle of clean energy projects

Mission‑driven organization committed to expanding access to renewable energy

Join SunVest in leading the charge to cultivate access to renewable energy for America!

SunVest 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.

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