Hybrid Lead Counsel, Energy

at Ford Motor Company

• Job title: Lead Counsel, Energy
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Postgraduate Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Dearborn, United States

About the role

• Attorney serving as primary legal partner for Ford Energy's BESS commercialization efforts, navigating legal complexities and regulatory compliance within a start-up environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead legal counsel for the BESS sales organization. Draft, negotiate, and manage complex commercial agreements, including Master Supply Agreements (MSAs), Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts, and Long-Term Service Agreements (LTSAs).
• Provide strategic advice on federal and state energy regulations (including FERC, NERC, and state PUC requirements). Ensure BESS products and projects meet industry standards and safety certifications (e.g., UL, NFPA).
• Advise the business and engineering teams on legal risks associated with product roadmaps, warranty structures, and performance guarantees for utility-scale and/or commercial energy storage solutions.
• Identify and mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks associated with the deployment and operation of large-scale battery assets.
• Act as a core member of the BESS team, providing nuanced legal guidance that balances risk with the need for speed and innovation in a rapidly growing market.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. State Bar.
• A minimum of 5 years of legal experience within the energy industry, either at a major law firm or in-house.
• Proven experience in energy-related commercial sales, project development, or structured finance.
• Direct experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) or renewable energy technologies (preferred).
• Deep familiarity with energy market structures, interconnection processes, and grid-side regulatory requirements (preferred).
• Experience navigating industry standards including UL (preferred).
• Ability to translate complex legal and regulatory concepts into actionable business advice (preferred).
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving business unit (preferred).

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including performance-based bonuses
• Ford vehicle benefits