Managing Counsel

Lightsource bp is a global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects. We are a 50:50 joint venture with bp with a mission to help drive the worlds transition to low carbon energy. In November 2023, bp agreed to purchase the remaining shareholder interest in Lightsource bp that it does not currently own, which will result in bp becoming the sole owner of Lightsource bp in Q3 2024.
With solar set to increase tenfold in the next 20 years, we are well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. By joining the Lightsource bp team, you will be the change on the worlds energy transition to a more sustainable future.
We pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit as we continue to push the boundaries of an ever-changing energy landscape. By choosing a career with us, you can expect a challenging and fulfilling role surrounded by people who are passionate and have brilliant ideas about sustainable technology, innovation and making the world a better place.
What Youll do
The legal team, with lawyers in London, Spain, Italy, US, Brazil and Australia, specializes in corporate, construction, energy, finance, commercial and property law in the renewable energy sector, providing support across all the units of the business and all jurisdictions.
The legal team in the U.S. currently consists of 10 individuals with nearly half of the legal team working remotely with frequent opportunities to travel. This senior role provides an exciting opportunity for a lawyer within a dynamic and changing business in a growth industry.
Duties and Responsibilities
Project Finance:
Provide excellent legal services to the LSbp US structured finance, corporate financing, and investment management teams;
Draft and negotiate (a) loan documents for construction and term debt facilities (including tax equity bridge loans) with third party project lenders, (b) tax equity agreements (including LLCAs, ECCAs, MIPAs, sponsor guaranties, and other ancillary agreements) with third party tax equity providers, (c) tax credit transfer agreements, and (d) amendments, extensions, and ancillary documents to the foregoing;
Advise, and work closely with, structured finance and investment management teams, including (a) working with commercial leads in the structured finance and investment management teams to close project financings, including financial close and mechanical and substantial completion funding events, and (b) facilitating internal stakeholder input in connection with, among other things, project risks and due diligence findings and appropriately addressing in the applicable agreements; and
Advise, and work closely with, corporate finance team relate to financial accounting and tax issues as they arise.
Sell-Side Mergers & Acquisition
Draft and negotiate sell-side M&A agreements, including membership interest and/or asset purchase agreements, for the disposition (or partial disposition) of solar projects and portfolios to third parties, along with applicable joint venture arrangements and asset and management services agreements.
General:
Lead and manage other legal team members in connection with the above;
Assist with the corporate structuring of financing transactions for tax efficiencies and to mitigate risks;
Assist with development of processes, template agreements and work flows for the efficient drafting, negotiation and administration of the applicable agreements and overall deal management;
Negotiate non-disclosure agreements and master services and consulting agreements with third party consultants and service providers to support the structured finance, investment management, and corporate finance teams;
Liaise with all internal business teams including the Development, Business Development, Construction, Structured Finance, Corporate Finance, Operations and Asset Management teams and counsel the business partners on a wide range of legal topics, including undertaking training on legal concepts where necessary; and
Ensure compliance with internal compliance framework and corporate approvals policies.
Opportunities will also arise:
to manage external legal resources, paralegals and contract management team (from time to time); and
to become involved in other areas of law where business needs arise.
Who were looking for
Knowledge
Transactional attorney with significant experience closing project financing agreements in the renewable energy sector, including general knowledge of tax equity structures and associated transactions.
Extensive experience in drafting and negotiating relevant agreements and ancillary documents.
Sell-side M&A experience is strongly preferred but not required.
General Skills
Strong business acumen with ability to assess legal risk and offer commercial / practical and strategic considerations.
Strong technical drafting skills and extensive experience in respect of the documents and types of work covered in the Duties and responsibilities section of this job description.
Ability to work, and deliver acceptable commercial and legal results, under strict deadlines.
Collaborative, team player that is comfortable operating in lead and supporting roles, as necessary.
Experience
Qualified licensed attorney with at least 5-10+ years experience in the US.
Excellent academic background and experience from a top tier firm or similar in-house role.
Position is equivalent to a law firm junior partner or senior associate.
Significant experience leading and managing complex, project financing transactions.
Why youll make a great member of the team
Personal qualities
Ability to work independently, deal confidently and build strong relations with senior business colleagues.
Willingness to receive and accept feedback and improve.
Flexible attitude and the ability to multitask.
Strong time management / prioritization skills.
Excellent written, verbal communication and English skills.
Helpful, hardworking approach and a team player.
Detailed oriented and able to work independently to manage and close transactions

We offer
Health, dental and vision care for US team members starts on your first day of employment.
Annual and retention bonuses
11 paid holidays
Four weeks of vacation and three weeks of sick leave annually.
401(k) plan, with a 3% nonelective employer contribution.
Hybrid or remote work environment.
Monthly personal phone bill reimbursement of up to $100 and a monthly commuter benefit of up to $150.
Why youll want to work with us
Our company is a place where you can be yourself and grow a place where your ideas and opinions matter.
Be you: We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect.
Be responsible: Our culture is driven by our core values. From operating safely to ensuring our solar projects are responsible and promote biodiversity.
Be recognized: Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension, and other local benefits.
Be inspired: Join an agile, international team working across 15 countries to power the future and positively impact people, communities, ecosystems and biodiversity across the world.
Our core values: Lightsource bp truly cares about creating a sustainable future through safe, responsible and meaningful low-carbon energy projects. Our core values of Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability and Drive are the guiding principles for everything we do.
Lightsource bp is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.