Real Estate Counsel

New York, New York
NES Fircroft
Title: Counsel, Real Estate
Reports to: Senior Counsel
Work Location: Remote

Background:
Our client is a purpose-driven offshore wind developer in the northeast dedicated to delivering a 5+ gigawatt portfolio, strategically positioned to meet the growing demands of multiple east coast markets including New York and New Jersey.

Scope:
As Counsel, Real Estate, you will be supporting Senior Counsel in the real estate and site control activities necessary to successfully advance the developer’s portfolio of offshore wind energy projects. You will also work closely with staff and consultants across the Development, Technical and Commercial Teams and external counsel, on a wide variety of real estate documents, title and survey documents, title insurance policies and real estate due diligence in connection with financing.

Responsibilities:
90% – Title and Real Estate Related matters

• Coordinate with Senior Counsel and the Development Team to draft and negotiate real estate agreements related to site control needed for the projects in the portfolio, including option agreements, purchase and sale agreements, right of entry and access agreements, easement agreements, license agreements, utility crossing agreements and other such similar agreements.
• Review title pro formas and surveys, flag key issues for the team, and manage the resolution of title encumbrances.
• Update land database with key title related items.
• Assist in obtaining financeable lender and owner title policies.
• Coordinate and manage real estate closings.
• Support real estate due diligence and real estate related deliverables needed for project financing (debt and/or tax equity), including oversight of organization and management of relevant documents and files.

• Manage internal activities and external consultants to ensure the execution of key tasks needed to maintain the project schedule.

5% – Provision of Information/Analysis

• Supports development of integrated financial budgets, internal reporting and controls, time tracking, purchase requests, invoices and expense reports.

5% – Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:

• J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree from an accredited law school is required.
• 5+ years of legal experience in title and real estate matters, preferably in connection with utility scale renewable energy projects or other large energy-related infrastructure projects (experience in offshore wind or infrastructure a plus), at a major law firm, real estate boutique firm or in-house (a combination of law firm and in-house experience a plus).
• Licensure to practice law in at least one state, with a preference for New Jersey and/or New York.
• Project finance and/or tax equity financing experience a plus.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

• Ability to identify risks and propose alternative strategies in order to mitigate risks while accomplishing the preferred path forward for the project if possible.
• Ability to multi-task and oversee multiple issues simultaneously with possible conflicting schedules.
• Ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural context and a fast-paced JV environment.
• Ability and willingness to timely meet fluid and changing priorities.
• Ability to be discreet and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong planning, analytical, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Strong ethical values and willingness to raise concerns to internal team members.
• Strong experience with common business software tools, such as Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel).

Physical Requirements:
Ability to travel as necessary to meet with team members or meet with stakeholders as needed.

Working Conditions:
90% of time is spent in the office environment, utilizing computers (frequent use of various Microsoft software/programs), phones, and general office equipment. Approximately 10% of the time may be spent in offsite workshops, visiting offices, or training.

Reasonable Accommodation:
Reasonable accommodation may be provided by the client to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Equal Opportunity:
The client commits to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the renewable energy sector by cultivating an environment deeply rooted in respect and inclusivity.

By embracing individual uniqueness and differences in perspective they aim to create a safe space for all employees regardless of race, sex, age, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

With over 90 years’ combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world’s leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.