Attorney/Sr Attorney-BHE

Northern Natural Gas•Des Moines, IA

About The Position

This is a multi-level posting. Candidates may be considered for any of the posted levels, depending on their level of experience and depth of expertise. This position will review, draft and negotiate a broad range of commercial contracts with suppliers and third-party vendors to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as BHE policies. In addition, this position will act as a liaison between BHE and third-party vendors to ensure adherence to contract terms and will oversee litigation and negotiation of disputed procurement matters. This position will also assist the Vice President and Chief Corporate Counsel with legal aspects of BHE governance, corporate financing activity, and mergers and acquisitions activity, including asset purchases and sales and nondisclosure agreements. May provide legal counsel and direction within one or more major BHE operational units. Handles complex legal matters and projects associated with specific legal specialization(s). This may include, but is not limited to, procurement, corporate governance, securities, M&A, insurance, human resources, compliance, cybersecurity and litigation.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and successful completion of bar exam in one or more states in which the company conducts business.
A minimum of eight years previous law firm or equivalent experience, with three to five years of experience practicing law with an emphasis on procurement and contract management and negotiation.
Demonstrated corporate governance experience and knowledge.
Familiarity with the political and legal implications of decisions made by the company.
Management skills including the ability to negotiate with and influence peers and senior officers on policy and strategic issues.
Use oral and written communication to create a vision, communicate strategy, and effectively interface with other company leaders.
Knowledge of the company's strategic plan, regulatory and political environment, as well as the company's policies, procedures, and practices, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Ability to assess and interpret external rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

Review, draft and negotiate a broad range of commercial contracts with suppliers and third-party vendors to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as BHE policies.
Act as a liaison between BHE and third-party vendors to ensure adherence to contract terms and will oversee litigation and negotiation of disputed procurement matters.
Assist the Vice President and Chief Corporate Counsel with legal aspects of BHE governance, corporate financing activity, and mergers and acquisitions activity, including asset purchases and sales and nondisclosure agreements.
Provide legal counsel and direction within one or more major BHE operational units.
Handle complex legal matters and projects associated with specific legal specialization(s). This may include, but is not limited to, procurement, corporate governance, securities, M&A, insurance, human resources, compliance, cybersecurity and litigation.
Lead the legal review of technically complex transactions and transaction proposals to ensure compliance with legal and business requirements while minimizing the company's risk exposure.
Create, edit and update legal contract templates for use in procurement activities.
Oversee and direct procurement-related litigation.
Assist with legal aspects of BHE governance, including all corporate resolutions, and maintenance of all BHE-related corporate entities in conjunction with Corporate Secretary.
Responsible to help support the board of directors for BHE and BHE-related entities.
Ensure appropriate application of all laws and regulations related to BHE's corporate and operational activities and transactions.
Assist with the preparation of Secretary's Certificates, Incumbency Certificates, corporate legal opinions, governance and signature authority consults/opinions, and maintenance of all officer and director slates and subsidiaries, including all annual filings with the applicable secretaries of state.
Support BHE and BHE-related corporate financing and annual SEC filings.
Assess and mitigate legal risks of company activities and advise management and other company personnel on legal and strategic matters.
Monitor and maintain current knowledge of industry trends in legal and compliance matters relating to the energy industry and pursue ongoing professional development to maintain current knowledge on best practices.
May consult with outside legal counsel and provide guidance and training to less experienced attorneys.
Provide counseling on compliance, intellectual property, cybersecurity, data privacy or other risk management issues.