Counsel, Litigation

Western Midstream•The Woodlands, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Counsel, Litigation position provides legal support across the Company's litigation matters, including commercial, tort, and employment controversies. This attorney will manage disputes and investigations, work with outside counsel, advise Human Resources and business leaders, and help mitigate legal risk through practical counseling and proactive initiatives. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, proactive lawyer who can think strategically while also managing day-to-day legal work. The attorney must be comfortable operating in a fast-paced business environment and partnering with all levels of personnel across the organization.

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school
Active license to practice law in Texas
4+ years of relevant litigation experience
Meaningful experience in complex commercial litigation and tort litigation including active speaking roles in proceedings such as hearings and depositions.
Experience with handling multiple matters simultaneously
Strong legal writing, analytical, investigative, and advocacy skills
Intellectual curiosity and ownership mentality, comfortable with accountability and taking initiative to address matters even if not squarely within immediate area of responsibility
Ability to analyze issues, make decisions, and provide deliverables amid imperfect information. Sound judgment and analytical thinking, including the ability to “see around corners” and anticipate consequences, even in unfamiliar areas of law and business operations
Comfort with deadlines and complexity, with attention to detail
Ability to work independently without waiting for direction, with ability to manage competing priorities
Strong interpersonal and client-service skills
Excellent written and oral communication abilities
Collaborative, team-oriented approach
Willingness to perform both strategic and hands-on legal work

Nice To Haves

Labor and employment experience preferred but not required

Responsibilities

Manage commercial, contract, personal injury, property damage, and employment-related litigation
Develop litigation strategy in partnership with business stakeholders and outside counsel
Direct and manage outside counsel to ensure effective and efficient representation across discovery, motion practice, mediation, arbitration, and trial
Evaluate claims, defenses, settlement opportunities, and litigation risk
Manage litigation budgets and outside counsel expenditures
Lead factual investigations relating to litigation, employment matters, and government inquiries
Manage fact finding through witness interviews and document preservation, collection, and review, including managing legal holds and e-discovery processes
Assist with responses to subpoenas, civil investigative demands, and regulatory requests
Advise HR and management regarding employee discipline and performance management; wage-and-hour compliance; leave and accommodation issues; workplace policies and employee relations matters; workforce reorganizations
Review and advise on employment agreements, restrictive covenant agreements, separation agreements, and related employment documents
Assist in developing and maintaining employment policies, handbooks, and workplace procedures
Manage employment litigation and administrative proceedings, including matters before the EEOC and state agencies
Collaborate with business teams to identify and mitigate legal risks
Assist in resolving disputes before formal litigation arises
Support contract interpretation, enforcement, and dispute-resolution efforts
Identify recurring litigation and employment risks and recommend preventative measures
Develop and implement best practices for dispute management, investigations, and employment compliance
Monitor emerging legal developments affecting the energy and midstream industries