EPC Attorney

About DESRI

DESRI (formerly D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments) is a market-leading owner and operator of renewable energy projects throughout the United States. We have acquired or developed approximately 13 gigawatts of contracted capacity across a portfolio of over 85 renewable energy projects in 24 states.

At DESRI, our culture is grounded in rigorous analytics and thoughtful risk-taking, with a strong emphasis on creativity, intellectual curiosity, and continuous improvement. We operate with lean teams that prioritize efficiency and minimize unnecessary bureaucracy, enabling individuals to take ownership and move quickly. We value open, constructive dialogue and believe it leads to better outcomes. Above all, we are driven to go the extra mile and support one another, fostering a collaborative environment built on accountability, integrity, and care.

About the role

DESRI seeks a resourceful and talented individual to join its legal team as a renewables engineering, construction, and procurement (EPC) attorney. This attorney will be part of a small, inclusive, highly skilled team responsible for supporting DESRI’s growing portfolio of wind, solar, and energy storage projects and related equipment procurement activities within a dynamic and collaborative environment that values thoughtful problem-solving, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to our core values, including creativity.

What you'll do

You will serve as a key member of the legal team responsible for drafting and negotiating Limited Notice to Proceed (LNTP) agreements, pre-construction agreements, EPC contracts, lien waivers, and other construction-related documents for solar and energy storage projects. You’ll work closely with internal teams, including Development, Construction, Project Management, Procurement, and Finance to provide comprehensive legal support and ensure alignment with project goals.  You will advise on commercial and legal issues arising throughout equipment procurement, including warranty, performance, delivery, supply-chain, tariff, trade, change-in-law, and regulatory matters, and will help structure contractual protections addressing changes in tariffs, duties, import restrictions, trade measures, and other governmental actions affecting project equipment. In addition, you’ll provide legal counsel to the project teams, addressing contract-related queries and issues as the primary point of contact for a defined set of projects. This role will afford you the substantial opportunity to collaborate with teams across DESRI and work cross-functionally. We embrace intellectual curiosity and encourage you to seek out information and understand the big picture. Finally, you’ll collaborate with internal stakeholders, including senior management to drive project success and facilitate seamless communication across departments and ensure agreements are negotiated in alignment with project timelines. 

Qualifications

• Candidates should have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree with a record of academic and professional achievement and at least five years of legal experience.
• Candidates with experience in the renewable energy sector, particularly with solar projects, energy storage, equipment procurement, and other areas of construction, are preferred.
• Candidates should be meticulously organized, have strong communication skills, and an ability to balance competing priorities in a constantly changing environment.
• Candidates with a knowledge of prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements as well as a familiarity with the requirements for the domestic content bonus credit are preferred.
• Candidates with an in-depth understanding of construction contracting principles and practices, including experience with LNTP agreements, pre-construction agreements, lien waivers, and statutory provisions related to construction (lien waivers, retainage) will excel in this role.
• Candidates with experience drafting and negotiating equipment supply agreements for renewable energy projects, including agreements for solar modules, inverters, battery energy storage systems, and other major project equipment, are preferred.
• Candidates should have familiarity with U.S. trade and supply-chain issues affecting renewable energy equipment, including tariffs and duties, import restrictions, trade remedies, executive orders and other governmental actions, and contractual allocation of risks arising from changes in law. Experience evaluating the impact of Section 232 measures, antidumping and countervailing duties, and restrictions affecting foreign-produced bulk-power-system equipment is preferred.
• The expected annual base salary for this position is $150,000 to $175,000.  Our compensation and benefits package includes variable compensation in the form of a year-end bonus, guaranteed in the first year of hire, and benefits including medical and prescription drug coverage, 401(k) contribution matching, paid time off, wellness reimbursement, family building benefits, and a charitable gift match program.