Assistant General Counsel
SOLV Energy is a leading provider of infrastructure services to the power industry, designing, building and maintaining utility scale solar, battery storage and high voltage substation projects nationwide.
Job Description Summary:
The Assistant General Counsel will report directly to the Deputy Chief Legal Officer and play a key role in supporting the Company's EPC and other business development, commercial and procurement contracting, regulatory compliance, risk management, and day-to-day business operations. This position will serve as a trusted legal advisor to cross-functional business teams, including executive leadership, helping drive business objectives while proactively managing legal and commercial risk.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong combination of construction, corporate and renewable energy experience, with the ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. The successful candidate will be comfortable handling complex transactions, leading negotiations, influencing business decisions, and partnering with senior executives.
This role is based full-time in our office in San Diego, CA. Specific location details and expectations will be discussed during the interview process.
*This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
- Serve as a trusted legal advisor to business teams, including executive leadership, on commercial, operational and regulatory matters.
- Exercise sound judgment grounded in ethics, integrity, accountability, and transparent communication.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including business leaders, executives, developers, contractors, and outside counsel.
- Evaluate legal and business issues holistically, balancing risk mitigation with commercial objectives.
- Foster a collaborative, solution-oriented approach across the organization. Monitor and advise on legal, regulatory, legislative, and industry developments impacting the renewable energy, infrastructure, and construction sectors.
- Partner with business development, finance, and executive teams on a broad range of project and commercial transactions.
- Identify legal and business risks associated with new market opportunities and develop practical mitigation strategies.
- Assist in developing and enhancing legal processes, policies, and governance structures that support organizational growth and scalability.
Commercial Contracting
Lead and support the drafting, review, negotiation, and administration of a broad range of complex commercial agreements, including:
- Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) agreements
- Construction subcontracts
- Supply and procurement agreements
- Equipment purchase agreements
- Operations and Maintenance (O&M) agreements
- Master service agreements
- Commercial customer contracts
- Non-disclosure agreements
- Real estate agreements
- Memorandums of understanding and framework agreements
Provide strategic guidance regarding contract interpretation, change orders, claims management, and dispute avoidance.
Collaborate with Operations, Procurement and Business Development teams to support successful project execution and commercial outcomes.
Risk Management, Compliance and Governance
Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining corporate compliance, governance, and risk management programs.
Support corporate entity management, organizational recordkeeping, and governance requirements.
Advise business leaders on regulatory requirements affecting renewable energy development, construction operations, labor matters, and commercial activities.
Conduct legal risk assessments and recommend practical solutions to minimize exposure while supporting business objectives.
Claims, Disputes and Legal Operations
Support the management of construction, commercial, and project-related claims and disputes.
Assist with the coordination of outside counsel regarding litigation, arbitration, mediation, and other dispute resolution matters.
Assist in overseeing outside counsel performance, legal budgets, accruals, and matter management.
Minimum Skills or Experience Requirements:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Active bar membership in good standing.
- 8-12+ years of legal experience, including significant experience at a nationally recognized law firm and/or sophisticated in-house legal department.
- Demonstrated experience in renewable energy, construction, infrastructure, project development, or related industries.
- Strong experience negotiating and drafting complex commercial agreements and construction-related contracts.
- Proven ability to provide practical, solutions-oriented legal guidance.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple competing priorities.
- Excellent written, verbal, negotiation, and presentation skill