Project Finance Counsel
Fervo Energy
Decarbonizing the energy sector is an urgent challenge, and with the right technology, geothermal energy can play a central role. We are expanding our team to help make this vision a reality. Fervo Energy has developed technology to make geothermal power scalable and cost-effective. Join us and work alongside world-class engineers, researchers, investors, and developers in making geothermal a key pillar of our climate-friendly energy future.
Description
The Project Finance Counsel will play a critical role in structuring and closing financing deals for our innovative geothermal energy projects. The position will be responsible for overseeing project-level finance documents, including drafting and negotiating term sheets, commitment letters, loan documents, intercreditor agreements, and security agreements. The Project Finance Counsel will report to the Vice President, General Counsel.
Responsibilities
- Draft and negotiate sophisticated financing documentation for project finance transactions, ensuring alignment with project goals and risk mitigation strategies
- Provide comprehensive legal advice and support to clients throughout the project finance lifecycle, from deal origination to closing
- Conduct thorough legal review of project documentation, including term sheets, commitment letters, contracts, agreements, and regulatory filings, identifying and addressing potential risks
- Research and analyze complex project finance laws, regulations, and industry best practices, staying current on evolving trends and legal developments
- Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, partners, lenders, and investors, to develop and execute winning transactional strategies
- Assist in due diligence reviews, meticulously preparing transactional documents and closing materials.
- Communicate clearly and concisely with clients, opposing counsel, and other parties involved in project finance transactions
- Assist in structuring FOAK geothermal projects, including drafting and implementing intercompany agreements acceptable to creditors and lenders
- Review major documents, such as PPAs, EPC agreements, etc. for financeability
- Works to ensure budget compliance and effectively manages the use of external counsel
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
- Admission to the [Texas] State Bar or eligibility for admission by motion
- 8+ years of experience in project finance law, with a demonstrated track record of success in the renewable energy sector
- Strong competency in drafting and negotiating complex financing documents, including loan agreements, security agreements, and intercreditor agreements
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain intricate legal concepts in a clear and concise manner
- Flexible thinker with superb problem-solving abilities, and a knack for identifying and mitigating potential risks
- Ability to design and implement FOAK project finance structures to satisfy potential lenders and project level investors
- Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively, while also being a strong team player
- Meticulous attention to detail with exceptional organizational skills
- Unwavering commitment to providing high-quality legal services and exceeding client expectations
- Experience with tax equity partnerships, federal tax credits and the transfer of tax credits, as well as the Financing Programs offered by the Loan Program Office (LPO) is a plus