Senior Legal Counsel
Senior Legal Counsel - Renewable Energy
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Reports To: General Counsel / Legal Director
Industry: Renewable Energy (Solar, BESS, Wind)
About the Company
We are working with a leading renewable energy developer, investor, and operator committed to accelerating the energy transition through the development, construction, and operation of utility-scale solar, battery energy storage (BESS), and wind projects across Japan.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to provide strategic legal support across the full lifecycle of renewable energy projects. The successful candidate will act as a trusted business partner to development, investment, project finance, EPC, and asset management teams, supporting project origination, financing, construction, and operation activities.
This position requires deep expertise in project finance transactions, EPC contracts, PPAs, construction-related agreements, and renewable energy regulations in Japan.
Key Responsibilities
Project Development & Commercial Contracts
- Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a broad range of project-related agreements, including:
- EPC contracts
- BOP contracts
- O&M agreements
- Equipment supply agreements
- Corporate and utility PPAs
- Land lease and easement agreements
- Development and interconnection agreements
- Provide legal support throughout project development, construction, and operational phases.
- Advise management on legal risks and mitigation strategies relating to commercial transactions.
Project Finance & M&A
- Lead legal support for project financings, refinancing transactions, and acquisitions.
- Review and negotiate:
- Loan agreements
- Security documents
- Direct agreements
- Intercreditor arrangements
- Shareholder agreements
- Joint venture documentation
- Support financial close activities and coordinate with lenders, sponsors, and external counsel.
- Conduct legal due diligence for investments, acquisitions, and divestments.
Regulatory & Compliance
- Monitor developments in Japanese energy, environmental, construction, and corporate regulations.
- Advise business teams on compliance with project and financing requirements.
- Support corporate governance, compliance programs, and internal policies.
- Manage disputes, claims, and litigation matters where required.
Stakeholder Management
- Work closely with development, project finance, EPC, engineering, procurement, and asset management teams.
- Coordinate with external law firms, consultants, lenders, investors, contractors, utilities, and regulatory authorities.
- Provide practical, commercially focused legal advice to facilitate business growth.
Requirements
Experience
- 8-15+ years of legal experience gained in:
- Leading law firms, and/or
- Renewable energy developers, IPPs, infrastructure funds, utilities, EPC contractors, or project finance institutions.
- Strong experience supporting renewable energy or infrastructure projects.
- Proven track record negotiating EPC, construction, project finance, and commercial contracts.
Technical Expertise
- Project Finance
- Renewable Energy Development
- EPC / Construction Contracts
- PPAs and Offtake Agreements
- M&A and Joint Ventures
- Corporate Governance and Compliance
- Risk Management
Qualifications
- Qualified lawyer in Japan (Bengoshi) preferred.
- Other common law qualifications (England & Wales, US, Australia, etc.) will also be considered.
- Law degree (LLB/JD); Master's degree advantageous.
Language Skills
- Native-level Japanese.
- Business-level English for cross-border transactions and stakeholder management.
Preferred Profile
- Experience in solar, BESS, wind, or other energy infrastructure projects.
- Commercially minded and solution-oriented.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, international environment.
- Able to operate independently while influencing senior stakeholders.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to play a key role in Japan's energy transition.
- Exposure to complex project finance and renewable energy transactions.
- Work alongside experienced investment, development, and engineering professionals.
- Significant visibility with senior leadership and international stakeholders.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
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That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
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