Corporate Counsel, Project Development

Middle River Power • Chicago, IL

77d • Hybrid

About The Position

Middle River Power (MRP) is seeking a Corporate Counsel, Project Development to join its legal team. This role will support the development of power generation projects from acquisition through construction and operations. The Corporate Counsel will partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders to structure, negotiate, and advise on key project development matters, including site control, interconnection, offtake, EPC, and major equipment and supply arrangements. The role will also advise on environmental, permitting, and regulatory matters, support environmental and project diligence, and help drive projects toward successful execution and closing. The ideal candidate will possess strong legal judgment, a high degree of ownership, and a practical, collaborative approach to supporting complex energy projects. MRP values individuals with outstanding character, integrity, dedication, and a positive, engaging approach who thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and are motivated to make a meaningful impact on the energy transition.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction.
• 6+ years of relevant legal experience, ideally combining law firm training with in-house experience supporting power generation, renewable energy, energy infrastructure, utilities, or large-scale industrial projects.
• Significant experience drafting and negotiating project development and construction agreements in the energy or infrastructure sector, including site control, interconnection, EPC, and major equipment, vendor, or supply agreements.
• Experience supporting environmental due diligence and advising on permitting, environmental compliance, and related regulatory matters associated with the development, acquisition, construction, and operation of energy or infrastructure projects.
• Experience supporting multi-state and, where applicable, multi-jurisdictional operations and working effectively across business, technical, legal, and executive stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and keep transactions and projects moving toward closing.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance for business partners.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership, exercise sound judgment, and drive matters through completion in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Intellectual curiosity and an interest in identifying opportunities to improve processes, legal workflows, and business outcomes.
• Genuine interest in the power and renewable energy sectors, with a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach and a strong commitment to integrity and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate project development, commercial, and construction agreements, including site control agreements (leases, easements, and options), interconnection and transmission-related agreements, offtake arrangements, EPC agreements, confidentiality agreements, and key vendor, equipment, and supply contracts.
• Support environmental due diligence and advise on permitting, environmental compliance, and related regulatory matters throughout project development, acquisition, construction, and operations.
• Provide practical, solutions-oriented legal counsel on project risk allocation, permitting and regulatory requirements, development schedules and milestones, and day-to-day project execution matters.
• Partner closely with Development, Commercial, Finance, Asset Management, and other cross-functional teams to identify and address legal and commercial risks while advancing project objectives.
• Coordinate with the General Counsel, in-house legal team, and outside counsel to ensure consistent, timely, and high-quality legal support across the organization.
• Support litigation, arbitration, and other disputes affecting development and operating assets, including coordination with outside counsel on strategy, document preservation and discovery, and resolution.
• Manage multiple complex legal matters simultaneously, maintaining accountability for timelines, deliverables, and key project milestones.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, dental coverage for employees and families is 90% employer-funded
• FSA and HSA plans with company HSA contributions
• 15 days of PTO and company holidays
• Employee EAP and wellness services
• Parental Leave
• 401k with company matching up to 4%

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree