Assistant General Counsel, Operations

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Pattern Energy is a leading renewable energy company that develops, constructs, owns, and operates high-quality wind and solar generation, transmission, and energy storage facilities. Our mission is to transition the world to renewable energy through the sustainable development and responsible operation of facilities with respect for the environment, communities, and cultures where we have a presence. 

Our approach begins and ends with establishing trust, accountability, and transparency. Our company values of creative spirit, pride of ownership, follow-through, and a team-first attitude drive us to pursue our mission every day. Our culture supports our values by fostering innovative and critical thinking and a deep belief in living up to our promises.  

Headquartered in the United States, Pattern has a global portfolio of more than 35 power facilities and transmission assets, serving various customers that provide low-cost clean energy to millions of consumers.

JOB PURPOSE

The position oversees a legal team that provides legal support across field, commercial and corporate operations functions to an established renewable power company that develops, owns, operates and maintains electric power generation and transmission assets across the United States and Canada. This role partners closely with cross-functional stakeholders—including Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Asset Management, and Commercial teams—to deliver practical, business-oriented legal advice across Pattern’s operating portfolio. 

The Assistant General Counsel – Operations serves as a key legal leader across its operating portfolio. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, the AGC – Operations will lead a team of four attorneys and function as the primary legal partner to Pattern's operational and commercial business units.

This is a high-impact, highly visible role for a seasoned energy attorney who brings strong commercial judgment, proven leadership experience, and a genuine interest in being embedded within the business. The AGC – Operations will serve as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across Operations, Commercial & Trading, Asset Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, and Compliance, supporting both day-to-day legal needs and complex strategic initiatives across the operating portfolio.

Key Accountabilities

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of four in-house attorneys supporting Pattern's U.S. and Canadian operating portfolio
• Set team priorities, manage workload allocation, and cultivate a high-performing, business-embedded legal function
• Partner with the CLO on legal department strategy, resource planning, and process improvement initiatives

Commercial & Trading Legal Support

• Oversee the drafting, reviewing, and negotiating of commodity trading agreements, including:
  • EEI Agreements
  • ISDA Agreements
  • WSPP Agreements
• Advise on trading-related matters, credit and collateral provisions, and risk allocation structures.
• Support Energy Management and Commercial teams on transaction structuring and dispute resolution.

Operational Contracting and Contract Lifecycle Management

• Oversee negotiation, drafting, and management of contracts across the operating portfolio, including O&M agreements, EPC contracts, equipment supply agreements, and other operational arrangements
• Develop and maintain contract lifecycle management practices and standards in partnership with business and Supply Chain teams
• Advise Engineering and Supply Chain stakeholders on procurement contracting and vendor management

Asset Management and Portfolio Initiatives

• Provide legal support for asset repowerings, brownfield expansions, and other portfolio optimization initiatives
• Advise on revenue contract restructurings, commercial renegotiations, and project refinancings
• Partner with Asset Management and Finance teams on value-enhancement strategies and risk mitigation across the operating portfolio

Risk Advisory and Business Partnership

• Serve as a proactive, practical legal advisor to stakeholders across Operations, Commercial & Trading, Asset Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, and Compliance
• Identify, assess, and advise on legal and regulatory risks relevant to the operating portfolio
• Support on environmental, health, safety, and compliance matters
• Develop business-oriented legal solutions that advance Pattern's operational and strategic objectives

Experience/Qualifications/Education Required

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; active license to practice law
•  15+ years of legal experience, with a demonstrated background in the energy or infrastructure sector 
• Significant experience advising on complex commercial contracts and transactions in the energy or infrastructure sector
• Proven leadership experience, including direct management and development of attorneys and legal professionals
• Strong commercial judgment and the ability to deliver practical, risk-appropriate guidance in a fast-paced, business-embedded environment
• Deep familiarity with the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the operation and commercial activities of energy or infrastructure assets, ideally including experience with renewable energy assets, including wind, solar, transmission, and/or energy storage
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with senior business leaders and cross-functional partners
• Proven ability to manage a broad and varied portfolio of matters, set priorities, and deliver results under competing deadlines
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach and a genuine interest in serving as an embedded legal partner to the business

Preferred Skills

• Experience supporting asset repowers, refinancing, brownfield development, or other portfolio optimization transactions
• Experience with cross-border US-Canada operations

The expected starting pay range for this role is $256,000 - $320,000 USD. This range is an estimate and base pay may be above or below the ranges based on several factors including but not limited to location, work experience, certifications, and education. In addition to base pay, Pattern’s compensation program includes a bonus structure for full-time employees of all levels. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, voluntary benefits, family care benefits, employee assistance program, paid time off and bonding leave, paid holidays, 401(k)/RRSP retirement savings plan with employer contribution, and employee referral bonuses.

Pattern Energy Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.