Overview

Jeff Nielson is a transactional attorney who advises clients on the development, acquisition, and financing of commercial real estate and renewable energy projects throughout the United States.

Jeff has significant experience in the renewable energy sector, where he represents developers, tax equity investors, and lenders in connection with solar, wind, battery energy storage and related infrastructure projects. His work spans the full deal spectrum—from real estate-specific support like drafting and negotiating site control agreements, addressing title and survey matters, and securing energy project title insurance, to project finance transactions and M&A advisory. Jeff brings a practical, deal-oriented approach to complex projects, helping clients identify risks, solve problems, and move transactions efficiently toward closing.

Jeff is also a trusted advisor to financial institutions on complex real estate financings, including construction, bridge, and other secured loans. He has closed loan originations totaling hundreds of millions of dollars across diverse asset classes—office buildings, retail centers, industrial facilities, and more.

Jeff regularly represents both landlords and tenants in complex lease negotiations spanning a wide range of asset classes—from office and retail spaces to industrial warehouses and mixed-use developments. Whether structuring build-to-suit arrangements, negotiating tenant improvement allowances, or navigating the intricacies of ground leases, Jeff brings a balanced perspective that helps clients achieve favorable terms while preserving key relationships.

Before joining Stoel Rives, Jeff honed his skills practicing law in Las Vegas and serving as assistant general counsel at a financial company specializing in distressed commercial real estate loan acquisitions and servicing—experience that gives him a lender’s-eye perspective on transactions.

Education

Baylor Law School, J.D., 2013; Executive Editor, Baylor Law Review

Brigham Young University, B.A., Political Science, 2009

Admissions

Idaho

Nevada

Texas

Languages

  • Swedish

Experience

  • Provided primary real estate counsel to NYC-based renewable energy developer for multiple projects, including:
    • Acquisition of early-stage 80 MW solar project in Montana and post-acquisition development real estate support, including drafting and negotiating solar ground leases and transmission easements.
    • Resolving significant site control issues affecting 61 MW solar project near Reno, Nevada, including amending and restating leases and easements, negotiating crossing licenses with holders of exclusive gas pipeline easements, preparing shared facilities agreements, creating SPE holding company to acquire title to substation, and obtaining title policies acceptable to financing counterparties.
    • Negotiation of leases, easements, and other site-related agreements for development of portfolio of solar projects in Kittitas County, Washington (aggregate 25 MW).
    • Acquisition of portfolio of operating wind projects in Iowa from multinational investment management firm (aggregate 80 MW).
    • Handling of all real estate aspects of multi-tranche tax equity investment made by national bank covering projects across the country (over $200 million invested to date).
    • Acquisition of portfolio of NTP solar projects in North Carolina (aggregate 30 MW).
  • Served as lead counsel to mortgage investment departments of national life insurance companies in:
    • $90 million portfolio construction loan secured by six multifamily housing developments in Southwest Texas.
    • $50 million construction loan in Houston, Texas, secured by mixed use development.
    • $35 million permanent loan secured by student housing complex in Boise, Idaho.
  • Negotiated build-to-suit lease for large medical office building on behalf of major healthcare company.
  • Origination and closing of dozens of commercial loans throughout the Western United States ranging from $15 million to $100 million.
  • Counseled San Francisco-based renewable energy developer in site control and M&A matters for dozens of projects to support rapid expansion of footprint in utility-scale and community garden solar spaces.
  • Representation of Connecticut-based renewable energy developer in developing and deploying financeable rooftop lease template for use on warehouse projects throughout northeastern U.S.
  • Representation of international corporation on $12 million sale and leaseback transaction of industrial property in Las Vegas.
  • Representation of publicly traded company in securing sites and negotiating long-term leases for portfolio of industrial properties across the United States.
  • Conducted due diligence analysis, including title and survey review, for $200 million purchase of hotels in California.
  • Conducted corporate due diligence, including real estate matters for dozens of leased and owned restaurant and hotel properties, in connection with $400 million acquisition of large nightlife company.

Client Successes

Insights

Insights & Presentations

Recognition

  • Selected by the Idaho Business Review as an Accomplished Under 40—Class 2023 honoree

Affiliations

Professional

  • State Bar of Idaho, Member, 2019–present
  • State Bar of Texas, Member, 2013–present
  • State Bar of Nevada, Member, 2017–present
  • J. Reuben Clark Law Society, Member, 2010-present
  • Idaho State Bar Real Property Section, Member, 2019-present
  • Urban Land Institute – Idaho, Member, 2019-present
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