Real Estate Counsel

What you will do

Role Overview:

The Real Estate Counsel will provide legal real estate advice to the Development and Operations team, prepare and review project real estate documents, and assist with negotiations with landowners while ensuring that all pertinent legal regulations and Company policies are complied with. You will also supervise Real Estate Paralegals as assigned by the Associate General Counsel.

Main responsibilities:

• Provide legal expertise and support to staff in the development, preparation, execution, and administration of real estate documents for wind and solar power projects 
• Assist the General Counsel and Associate General Counsel with developing, reviewing, and recommending changes to legal aspects of real estate documents as needed 
• Prepare and supervise paralegals’ preparation of real estate documents including but not limited to options, option memoranda, purchase and sale agreements, leases, lease memoranda, easements, easement memoranda, assignments, notices of exercise, escrow letters, affidavits, proforma policies and subordination agreements  
• Participate in the negotiation and completion of various real estate agreements and other contracts including communicating with landowners and their attorneys regarding the execution of real estate documents 
• Prepare checklists and timelines to coordinate real estate due diligence of purchase and sale activities 
• Supervise Real Estate Paralegals in their review of title reports, preparation of title schedules to satisfy title requirements, proforma policies, review of land surveys, obtaining of reports from title companies, resolving title issues, and performance of their other job responsibilities 
• Review pro forma title policies and land surveys and respond to real due diligence questions in connection with project financing 
• Assist with document compliance by preparing document summaries as requested 
• Approve real estate documents for execution in accordance with Company policies and procedures 
• Manage external legal resources as assigned to ensure efficient and effective completion of tasks 
• Additional duties as required

Employment type

Full-time/hybrid

Work site

Houston, Texas

What are we looking for

Minimum Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate  
• 7+ years in real estate handling title insurance, escrow, and power project legal matters including purchase and sale agreements, options, land leases and easements, operating and administration agreements, financing documents, title insurance policies, general liability policies, land surveys, and general litigation 
• Licensed to practice law in the state of Texas 
• Experience representing developers and owners in all aspects of power project legal matters preferred 
• Proficient knowledge of SAP and Microsoft Office software (particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint); some knowledge of Microsoft Access preferred 
• Competency in Analytical Problem Solving, Strong Communication, Customer/Partner Relationships, and Technology Expertise preferred 

Travel:

Up to 10%

Behavioral Requirements:

• Solid background in reviewing title reports and land surveys, including resolving title defects 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including solid drafting skills 
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills 
• Ability to travel as needed 
• Strong coaching, mentoring, analytical, and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to be self-motivated 
• Must have high energy i.e. work quickly and produce quality of work over long periods of time 
• Ability to produce and prepare high volume of documents  
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment 
• Strong IT skills with a variety of programs such as Outlook, Word, and Excel 
• Must be comfortable working with a diverse group of individuals 
• Exemplary standards of integrity, honor, safety, management, ethics, quality, efficiency, and productivity 

Physical demands & working conditions:

• Sitting/Standing/Flexibility: Ability to stand and sit for 8 or more hours when in an office environment 
• Reading:  Ability to read and write English proficiently.  Ability to interpret, deliver,  and follow a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form 
• Lifting: Ability to lift items weighing up to 10 pounds  
• Vision/Hearing: Ability to interpret and follow a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form 
• Speech: Ability to interpret, deliver, and follow a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form; fluent English verbal and written communication skills 
• Safety: Ability to understand and communicate safety precautions when necessary