Job Title: Corporate Counsel – Solar Industry
Location: Irvine, CA
Department: Legal
Reports To: Executive Vice President (EVP/ US Head)
Job Type: Full-Time
About Us: Imperial Star, an $1 billion USD revenue-generating company, operates across four offices and facilities globally across California, Texas, Laos, and Indonesia and employs approximately 1,500 people. The company, or ISS, manufactures PV solar modules for use in residential, commercial & industrial (C&I), and utility-scale solar projects worldwide. With over a decade of unparalleled manufacturing excellence and boasting an impressive ~5GW annual production capacity, our commitment to innovation and sustainability has fueled our remarkable success. Our team culture believes in fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, grow, and contribute their best. We are a bottom-up organization, our company’s goal is to provide extraordinary product quality and customer service.
Role Description: We are seeking a dedicated individual for a full-time Corporate Counsel to join our team. The ideal candidate will provide solar industry related strategic legal advice to ensure compliance, mitigate legal risks, and protect the company’s interests. Ideal candidates will have experience in the renewable energy sector, along with tax equity experience and negotiating various critical contracts. The Corporate Counsel will work with the Executive Vice President (EVP/US Head) to ensure that business considerations are effectively integrated into legal strategies.
<Key Responsibilities>
Litigation Management: Coordinate and manage outside counsel for any litigation matters or disputes, including warranty claims, contract disputes, and regulatory compliance issues.
Transactional Support: Provide legal guidance and support for forming and managing transactional partnerships.
Risk Management: Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with business operations - intellectual property, employment law, data privacy, solar energy policy, and environmental compliance.
Regulatory Compliance: Monitor and ensure compliance with evolving federal, state and local regulations impacting renewable energy projects. In addition to any environmental regulations, tax incentives, and import/export compliance.
Advisory Role: Utilize legal expertise to provide counsel and problem-solving support to team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative legal environment.
Contract Negotiation: Draft and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including but not limited to power purchase agreements (PPA), master supply agreement (MSA), consulting agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDA), and other strategic business agreements.
< Requirements>
Juris Doctor (JD) with membership in at least one of the two state bars - California or Texas Bar
Minimum of 5 to 8 years of experience
Excellent negotiation, organizational, and communication skills
Ability to multitask and prioritize competing projects
Strong understanding of energy law, regulatory compliance, and commercial contracts
Available to work on-site at the Irvine, CA office at least 3 days per week
<Skills>
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
Fluency/conversational Chinese is a plus but not required
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong listening and response skills
Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to legal challenges
Proficient in software: Microsoft, Google Suite, contract management, and docusign.
<Benefits>
17 days of accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) annually
Comprehensive Health Insurance Coverage – including dental and vision
Up to 3% 401k matching
Free access to Recreation Center with ping pong tables and foosball
Free access to Fitness Center
Paid parking for parking structure
Leisure Travel Discounts for Car Rental/Hotels/Flight
Access to LifeMart discounted shopping portal through ADP