Counsel, M&A Transactions

Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. is looking for a Counsel to help support its distributed energy (DE) business. You will join a collegial team of 20 legal professionals and report to the Assistant General Counsel.  The Counsel will primarily provide transactions support to various Senior Counsel on the team on commercial, community and industrial (CC&I) solar and storage project acquisitions and sales, but also be given opportunities to support the DE legal team from time to time on project development and financing, operations and maintenance, project engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), real estate and permitting, regulatory and dispute resolution/litigation matters. Special consideration will be given to candidates with expertise in renewable energy project acquisition and sale matters. This position reports to the Assistant General Counsel (and/or Senior Counsel designated by the Assistant General Counsel) and the location will be at either the Irvine, CA or Teaneck, NJ office but remote work may be considered for exceptional candidates.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• M&A Transaction Support: Provide support to Senior Counsel and Assistant General Counsel on the execution of M&A transactions, including project and portfolio acquisitions and dispositions. Assist with the drafting, negotiation, and closing of Membership Interest Purchase Agreements (MIPAs) and related ancillary documentation.
• Due Diligence Assistance: Help conduct legal due diligence on a given transaction and provide support in various areas of due diligence (real estate, environmental, permitting, interconnection, incentives) alongside other internal teams and outside counsel to identify "red flag" risks in solar and battery energy storage portfolios. Identify and assess legal and commercial risks associated with acquisitions and development activities.
• Project Development & Finance: Partner closely with project development and finance teams to support deal execution and financing strategies. Support negotiation of key development agreements, including revenue contracts, EPC agreements, and site control agreements.
• Management of Outside Counsel and Internal Resources: Manage and coordinate external counsel on various transactions, ensuring efficient and cost-effective execution. Contribute to the development of internal processes, templates and best practices to streamline transaction execution.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years experience 
• Top law firm training preferred
• Strong background in renewable energy (solar/storage) M&A and/or project development work
• JD from a top law school preferred
• Membership in at least one state bar

Preferred Skills

• In-House Experience: In-house experience at a renewable energy project development and/or energy finance company.
• Adaptability: Experience using AI-based legal tech for high-volume diligence and document automation to increase deal velocity.
• Community Solar Markets: Experience on transactions involving community solar project portfolios, especially in New York and Illinois.

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. (“HQCA”) is a Qcells company, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions.  Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct-to-homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services.  We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications.

*This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.

hqca-recruiting@qcells.com