Senior Legal Director / Corporate Counsel

Job Description

The Legal Director is responsible for legal guidance for the company. This role will focus on supporting employee and labor relations, drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, and ensuring compliance with corporate governance and regulatory requirements, supporting M&A activities, and managing external counsel and legal budget.

Duties and Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance

• Advise on federal, state, and local regulations impacting solar manufacturing, including environmental, energy, and trade compliance (e.g., EPA, DOE, and ITC regulations).
• Monitor and interpret regulatory changes in the renewable energy sector and ensure company-wide compliance.
• Interface with regulatory agencies and represent the company in regulatory matters as needed.
• Support internal audits and investigations, and manage related risk mitigation strategies.

Corporate Governance

• Support corporate governance activities, including drafting and reviewing corporate policies, bylaws, and board resolutions.
• Advise on corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and financing arrangements.
• Ensure compliance with securities laws, corporate filings, and other regulatory requirements for a privately held company.

Employment Law

• Provide guidance on employment law matters, including hiring, terminations, workplace policies, and compliance with labor laws (e.g., FLSA, OSHA, EEOC).
• Draft and review employment agreements, non-compete clauses, and severance packages.
• Address employee relations issues, including disputes, investigations, and workplace safety compliance specific to manufacturing environments.

Contract Law

• Draft, negotiate, and review a wide range of commercial contracts, including supply agreements, vendor contracts, customer agreements, and partnership deals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., procurement, engineering, sales) to align legal strategy with business goals.
• Manage contract lifecycle, including renewals, amendments, and dispute resolution.

General Legal Support

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including finance, operations, and R&D, to provide legal guidance on business initiatives.
• Manage intellectual property matters, including patents and trademarks related to solar technology innovations.
• Handle litigation and dispute resolution, including coordination with external counsel when necessary.

Qualifications

Skills

• A strong background in employment law, contract law, and corporate legal matters, with the ability to provide strategic legal advice across departments.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Traits

• Outstanding leadership skills
• Outstanding interpersonal, intercultural, and communication skills
• Strong Time and Project Management

Education and/or Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in South Carolina and preferably Washington as well.
• Experience preferred in Canada and US.
• 5+ years of relevant legal experience, preferably in a corporate or in-house setting.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, contract law, and corporate governance.
• Minimum 10 years of related experience.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive Market Wages
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and holiday)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
• Health Savings Account option
• Supplemental/Voluntary Insurance Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Home office and flexible working schedule